“I think Bradford played the best they have all season today (Sunday),” said Aston, shortly after the full-time hooter – in his post-match press conference.

“It would certainly be very close between Bradford and Leigh, because Leigh are starting to crack.

“Bradford are going this way and Leigh another. At the moment, Leigh are probably a tad in front of them.

“But, by the end of the season, who will get promoted? I think you would probably put your house on it being Bradford.”

“It is interesting because Bradford are hitting form at the right time.

“Lee Gaskell is the best half-back in the competition, without a shadow of a doubt.

“It is credit (to Bradford) that he is still here and that they have kept him.

Dunno about 'starting to crack', but I do know it's pretty impossible to retain top form all year - there are always ups and downs in form over a season.

As for us, well I'm relaxed about our form at this stage. There are no trophies given out mid season and I'm confident we'll be around, and hopefully at our best, when the whips begin to crack..

Maybe he has got his eyes on second place.

Our early season, current, league games are just a means to an end, aren't they? There are marginal differences between the four qualifying places and yes, second seems to be the preferred option [if you get an option.. but you're in the mix if you get into the four and I'm very confident we'll do that.

How we go against the SL teams when we get there is another matter of course. They may well be a bit battered and feeling low due to having a poor season and we may be a bit cheerier due to our success but, at the end of the day, it will take an almighty effort and probably a bit of luck, and then we'll find out who cracks in the effort to get back to SL. At least, we'll then be able to say that every minute really matters...

If you want a laugh check out the thread on the Leigh board about Aston's comments.

The people of that wasteland of the terminally 5h1te are absolutely desparate for outside recognition.

Quite amusing. How dare he venture an opinion (well, that particular one). What could he possibly know about such matters. It's interesting that nobody has made a big deal of it on this forum. It would be quite amusing if they finished behind Sheffield in third.

I can't really see them finishing below the Eagles. Hopefully, from a Bulls' POV, our scratchiest form is now behind us and we're on an upward curve but, ultimately, what Leigh or Sheffield do is for them to worry about, as our own form is the one, and only, thing we have control over.

I think, because it's a month's loan not dual reg, there's no recall option.

think this weekend maybe last week of initial loan though. not sure why him and conroy were loans as opposed to dual reg. Could it be fixed term loans mean they count on oxfords salary cap rather than ours? could be a way of squeezing extra space under cap if so.

I remember reading something about them being guaranteed 4 games on the loan deal, but what it means for the salary cap I'm not sure.

I doubt Oxford could afford to pay a penny of their salary.