So onto the big derby next. I've put this on the Fax board but I think what happens 24 hours earlier will have a big impact on this game. If Widnes beat Toulouse icon_razz.gifRAY: then it's in our hands to finish second, so I'd expect us to also come out all guns blazing and be just as motivated as Fax if that happens. If Toulouse win then barring a massive shock of Toulouse losing to Batley at home, that's us finishing third no matter what and feel Fax could be more desperate than us.

It's always a big game so can't see either team going into this one not bothered. Fax will be fired up to try and finish on a high. If we have a chance of finishing second then that would be extra motivation for us.

If Taufua is out is that Lehmann on the wing? Is Tindall still at the club? I'd bring Ott back on the bench for Sammut provided Gaskell is fully fit - he didn't look convincing versus Batley but maybe he was a bit worried about the Odsal pitch doing his hamstring again. The surface at Halifax is fantastic so he ought to have fewer concerns there.

No Doro and probably no Gill for this one to go with the other long term absentees.

This game has always been setup as a a banana skin. The Panthers have been terrible this year but this is the one game that matters to their supporters.

I'd like to hope we are treating this game as preparation for the play offs and we turn up with a good attitude. I suspect we won't and it will be one of those games where they want it just that bit more than us.

Games like this and at the back end of the season can throw up all sorts of permutations.
It's hard to combat the subconscious relaxation if we can only finish 3rd, added to the fact players will be thinking about not being injured for the play-offs.

On the other hand there maybe a commitment to form, results and momentum to take in to the play-offs.

I've a feeling we'll either see a tight single digit fax win or a big Bulls win.

For Halifax, this is their cup final, but we’re unbeaten in four and have more than enough quality to get the job done. Regardless of the emotions driving Halifax into Sunday, we should have enough to see us home and extend our run as we approach the playoffs.