Whitehaven’s big crunch game against League One leaders Bradford Bulls is being played 24 hours earlier.

The showdown at Provident Stadium Odsal now has a 3pm kick-off on the afternoon of Saturday, August 4.

Whitehaven have said the change was at the request of the Bulls to avoid the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final double-header to be played at Macron Stadium, Bolton on the Sunday.

The Cumbrians, who face a challenging fortnight in August, say they were happy to oblige and look forward to taking on John Kear's men on the Saturday.

On Sunday, August 12 Whitehaven travel to promotion rivals Oldham and a week later have another side, Doncaster at home, who still realistically fancy their chances of making the top five.

Bradford and York, who meet this weekend, are getting away from a group of six clubs who appear to be fighting for three places.

Oldham head a clutch of four clubs all on 22 points and separated only by points differential (including Workington and Whitehaven) with Keighley and Doncaster only ywo points behind.

Haven’s remaining nine games include the top three all away – Bradford, York and Oldham – as well as Hunslet and Doncaster at home.

Three of the lesser lights – London Skolars (home on Sunday), Coventry Bears (home) and Hemel Stags (away) have to be faced as well as mid-table Newcastle Thunder (home, a week on Sunday).

But coach Carl Forster isn’t looking at league positions as he views the remaining fixtures.

“As far as I’m concerned we have nine cup finals to play before we complete the league programme. They will determine whether we make the play-offs or not,” he said.

“We start with Skolars on Sunday and we will treat them with as much respect as we would one of the top sides.

"They only lost by two points against York City Knights last Saturday."