Hmm. Would like to think the players have a less fixed mindset and are ambitious to win every game and crack the top four.

Afaik a 50% record has always put you in the top 8. We have got 16 games to find six wins that will achieve that. While I agree with Eddie that we might find ourselves in competition with the Hull clubs, for now it is good to be having a crack at greater goals than just making the 8.

You're not wrong.

Don't think anyone suggested any fixed mindset or lack of ambition? Or of not striving to win every game regardless? Or of not enjoying the moment when two-fifths through the season we are third in the table (and no worse than fourth even if Leeds win at least one of their two games in hand), a position few could have dreamed of not that long ago.

The point being made was that the top eight still looks most likely to contain the six clubs plus two from the Hull clubs and us. our mission, I suggest, is to strive to ensure that we are safe in the eight, and it is the two Hull clubs (or indeed clubs of the so-called "top 6") that are fighting it out for the last spot. No point worrying about how the other clubs perform; we just have to ensure we perform better than at least six of them, and hopefully more. Which task would not be helped by both Hull clubs making up too much ground; the point that was being made.

Both arguments make sense to be honest. Whilst I agree ourselves and the two Hulls are the most likely to make up the numbers outside Eddie's list of 6 I actually think any of the current top 11 can do it. Both Hulls have plenty of duff games in them and Wakey and Widnes have more wins in them than most are giving them credit for.

Our biggest worries relate to injuries, especially up front. From what we've seen so far I don't think desire, fitness or willingness to perform are going to be serious concerns for us. The next three weeks are a big test. I'll be reasonably happy to get two points from the next six. I'd rather be in third going in to those games and maybe slipping down a notch or two than on the outside trying to fight back in.

Fully concur.

I think your last sentence is very, very pertinent.

Don't get me wrong, I think we're more likely to be competing for the 8 than
top four. But given that most people here would think we're an outside shout for the GF regardless of where we finish, I wouldn't underestimate the value of a run near the top of the table even mid-season. In a comp where we have less resources than any other club and only two trophies are available, it's good to find different ways to succeed and being third this week is one, admittedly minor, way in which we have succeeded already. Good luck to the lads in their attempts to build on it over the coming months.

Ways in which this could be a good year for the Bulls (on-field)

1. Cup run (Wembley?)
2. Make the eight/finish as high up the table as possible
3. Take a scalp or two in the play-offs
4. Take a scalp or two in the regular season
5. Have a run near the top of the league

Have I missed any? Even placing it bottom, it's still the 5th best thing we could do this year and so worth doing I reckon.

I think when the players look at the table and see we are 3rd, it will give them a massive confidence boost.

Well as many were tipping us to finish bottom before the season started (and I'll admit that I didn't see this season as anything other than us being also rans) I'd be happy for us to continue the season the way we've started it.

A cup run will be superb for us. Financially and profile wise. Tell everyone we're back on the big stage. A final could earn £1million for the kitty!

Do we receive all our play off money or are we sharing it with the other 7 play off teams if we make it?