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Betfred Championship EVOGO

Pre-Match Interview | Matty Dawson-Jones

18/05/2024

Matty Dawson-Jones says the team can’t get distracted from reaching Wembley as we focus on three big games upcoming in the Betfred Championship, starting with this afternoon's trip to Bradford Bulls.

The winger has been in fine form so far this season, having crossed for six tries in fourteen appearances in all competitions, including the opener in last weekend’s 18-28 win at York in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi Final.

The 33-year-old goes up against his former side this afternoon, a club he played for between 2020 and 2022, and he knows it going to be a tough game against a side who have also had a good start to the season.

Speaking at training earlier this week, we caught up with Matty to get an insight into how the lads are feeling ahead of this afternoon’s clash.

“I’m looking forward to it mate this weekend”, said Dawson-Jones.

“Games against Bradford are always tough and have been over the last few years there, so as a squad, we’re looking forward to Sunday’s game.

“It will be nice to go back and play against one of my old clubs, I’m looking forward to it and to going back there.

“They’ve had lots of comings and goings within the squad since I left two years ago, but I know a fair few of the lads there now, and I’m hoping that as a side we can go to Odsal and keep Bradford quiet and get another win under our belts.”

Dawson-Jones knows it will be a tough clash as the Eagles head into the game looking to return to winning ways after falling to defeat at home to Wakefield Trinity last time out in the league, whilst the Bulls will head today’s Round Eight clash in good form having secured victory at Swinton Lions last time out in the Betfred Championship.

“We are both up there in the league in the top six, so hopefully it will be a good game and I’m hoping that there will be plenty of fans in the stand backing the boys.

“Our fans have travelled well all year so far, which we massively appreciate, so hopefully they do the same on Sunday and we can hopefully put a show on for them and get the win.”

Whilst highlighting the importance of this afternoon’s clash, Dawson-Jones stressed that the lads can’t be distracted by reaching Wembley Stadium last weekend at York, and that we need to focus on the next three games in the league to carry on our good start to the season.

“Last weekend’s win at York in the 1895 Cup was massive for us to get to Wembley and now we have that to look forward to next month, but like you say, we need to put that to one side for the minute.

“We’ve got three big games to go before that, and it starts this week with Bradford.”