Skip to content

Super League: Daunting task for James Lowes as Bradford face Warrington

James Lowes Bradford coach
Image: James Lowes: Bradford coach set for Warrington test

New Bradford coach James Lowes admits he faces a daunting task as he prepares to take charge of the struggling Bulls for the first time on Sunday.

The former Bradford hooker's first match in the Super League is at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against his former club Warrington, who have won their last seven matches, including a 46-10 Challenge Cup success at Bradford earlier this month.

"I don't think it could come any tougher. They are playing with a lot of confidence which is a big thing,” said Lowes, who was head coach of the Wolves from 2008-9 before reverting to the role of assistant under current boss Tony Smith.

"I've some great memories there and I'm looking forward to going back. I've still a lot of friends there.

"It's a great club full of good players and it's a good place to play rugby."

Lowes inherits a Bradford side nine points adrift of their nearest rivals and admits he has a plan B in the event of the club being relegated from Super League for the first time.

"My aim is get a bit of enjoyment back in the game for these guys and the spectators as well," he said.

"In the longer term, wherever we end up, it's to get back to the top. It's a big club who are well supported.

"Whether we end up going down this year or not, the long term aim is to be a force in Super League once more."

Bradford captain Matt Diskin, who took temporary charge following the sacking of Francis Cummins and his assistant Lee St Hilaire, believes the return of a club legend can provide the team with a timely lift.

"It will give us a lift for the Warrington game but let's not be naive," Diskin said. "We've changed the coach but the playing personnel and lack of depth is still there.

"So it's going to be a tough task for Jimmy to lift us up but I'm sure he will do."

Around Sky