THE HEAT fuelling a big Bradford rugby league derby is bubbling as the fixture creeps closer.

On Saturday, Bradford Dudley Hill host West Bowling, who won't have to travel far to get to the Neil Hunt Memorial Ground for this National Conference League Division Two fixture.

Two former stars from opposing sides have now waded in to the big match build-up as the local rivals prepare to lock horns.



Elliott Whitehead, formerly of Bowling, and John Bateman, formerly of Bradford Dudley Hill, came together in anticipation of the big Bradford tie.

They played together at Bradford Bulls for a time and now both ply their trade at NRL side Canberra Raiders.

Bateman won the Super League with Wigan Warriors last season before making the move to Canberra where he made a very impressive debut last week.

The pair took time out from their busy schedule in Australia to chew-the-fat over the Bradford derby for a video clip posted on Twitter by Bradford Bulls.

There's even a jovial "scrap" at one point in the video...

Both wish their respective former clubs good luck for the match before giving a special message.

Whitehead says: "Big Bradford derby, we believe you can do it. You've got a big following nowadays, so I wish you all the best and good luck."

Bateman follows up to say: "Big Yorkshire derby, gutted I'm not there to watch it. Rip into them boys and give it them. Good luck."

Whitehead ends to say: "One not to miss boys. I'm sure there'll be a lot of entertainment there and I'm sure there'll be a few fights."

The tie takes place on Saturday, March 30.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm.