Omitted

Hallas
Gran
JBF
Smith
Keyes

Not got a great feeling about this game I think Hunslet could well have us here.

We're still putting out a decent enough side. But as I've said before, I don't see the cup as something the club should be putting out full squads for.

I don't think that the tie against Wire will be that big a draw in terms of the number of people attending or being that much of a money spinner for the club.
Plus, no matter what team we put out we're most likely going to get a spanking (which is something else that people will be aware of and will limit the number of people willing to pay for that privilege) and that sort of thing could seriously knock our season off course.

Seems strange JBF isn't playing in either game this Easter break, he warmed up Friday night so doesn't seem injured

Am I right in thinking that you can only play for one team in the Challenge Cup? Perhaps that's why he's omitted from the squad this weekend. Toronto may want to use him in their squad if they advance further than us.

Good to see Oakes, Kirk and Pickersgill return to the squad. I've read that Halafihi has been superb in the reserve games so I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on against Hunslet.

That's correct, which makes it more confusing that he didn't play against Oldham. That way the squad could still be rotated without him being cup-tied.

There have been suggestions, not least in 3 Bulls in a bar, that Jake may be here for longer than the scheduled month, if so, I guess there's not need to rush him to 'get our money's worth', if you get my drift..

Only problem is losing to Hunslet will give them a massive confidence boost when we next play them which to me is something we really don’t need to be giving them we need the wins wherever we can pick them up. The exception for me being if we play wire.

Not sure the Wire game is relevant to anyone in our league.
Losing to them won't knock confidence as we/Hunslet would clearly 'expect' to lose, much as I'm sure we'd give our best. Plus, as said before, I don't believe there will be a any big financial boost for any Div 3 side going to a SL club; there are no season tickets and they simply won't see it as an attraction. There is a bigger sum from the sponsors of course, for each round played, but hardly a fortune.

If we get to the next round, i reckon 1500-2000 Bulls fans will get tickets.So lets say a hardcore Warrington support of 3500 turn up, that is a crowd of 5500. Around £25k in the coffers. Thats a lot of money to us. If we're still part time, that could fund two very good PT players for next year.

Also, maybe Bulls up against Warrington and putting up a good showing, may entice some stay aways to come back.

All hypothetical and overly optimistic, imo.

Just been on the Met Office website and it seems the forecast for tomorrow is more for sleet and heavy rain than snow for the lower ground, and to persist it down the whole game.

The weather will be a leveller but I didn't see anything from Hunslet in the recent league game to give me concerns. They just lost at home to Keighley!

They also won't have the luxury of being able to bring in 4 or 5 fresh players like we can. Halafihi, Oakes, Kirk, Rickett and Andrade will all be itching to make a big impression and make a claim for a regular spot in the starting 17.

Well the snow keeps coming down. Are we on for another postponement?

I can only repeat the forecast to be honest which suggests it will turn to heavy rain by dinner time. Could be snow free but waterrlogged by kick off...

I live in Leeds, about 3 miles from Hunslet.

It's snowing but it's 'wet snow' and nothing is settling. At this moment in time, I see nothing to suggest the game wouldn't take place - albeit, it will be a heavy pitch

Pitch inspection, time unspecified, according to Bulls' Facebook.

Pitch inspection due at 11:30...

Can only be a potential waterlogged pitch - there is barely any snow!

Hunslet have tweeted a picture of the pitch - I’m not an expert and I don’t know what is classed as ‘waterlogged’ but it doesn’t look good to me!

Having seen a on twitter, looks water logged. With the need to play it urgently, Wonder if they could be an argument to just play it at odsal if so. Fev did it with Crusaders.

Although just seen a pic of cas and their pitch was much worse and that is on. Those on twitter, have a look on Luke Gales account!!

Christ! If Cas’ pitch is playable then Hunslet definitely is

Ref stuck in traffic. This is becoming a farce

It’s 12.22 the match is set for 14.00 and no decision yet on if it’s on or off, the Rfl and a joke

bulls just tweeted its ON