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.

2nd place could be well and truly back on as Widnes are beating Toulouse 12-0.

Scratch that. Widnes bottled it.

Yeh the last two games are now looking a bit dead rubber. Pleasing that we've secured 3rd with a couple of games to go but can't help but wonder what might have been if we'd controlled a few games better earlier in the season.

Looks like whoever is going to face Wakey in the final is going to have to find a win over in France.

Going into today’s game, we find ourselves in an interesting position, having already secured a playoff spot. While there's not much at stake in terms of playoff qualification, the game still holds significance against one of our rivals. A win today would serve to maintain the positive momentum we’ve built over the past month, reinforcing the confidence and form we’ve developed during this crucial stretch of the season.

On the other hand, a loss, while not impacting our playoff status, could disrupt the rhythm we've worked hard to establish. Momentum is key in the playoffs, and we don’t want a setback to affect the team’s morale or undo the progress we've made. Today’s game is an opportunity to fine-tune any issues and enter the playoffs with the strongest possible mindset.

The focus should be on playing with the same intensity and discipline that got us this far.

Its a test of the sides professionalism and personal standards now more than anything. The marketing manager will also be praying that we get the win otherwise next week will be a tough sell at home to Swinton.

Wonder if the club have considered doing a season finale and play off elimator ticket package? Otherwise I fear quite a few might decide to save their brass for the following week.

Good idea! On a side note, I'm surprised that the club hasn't launched season ticket prices for 2025 yet.

Really need to win. Feels like it would be a bit of gut wrencher to lose to our rivals. Get the win then take it to the last game of the season, finish comfortable third and in good form for play-offs.

Well the game played out pretty much how I expected. Fax were just that little bit more desperate for the result and it showed. Too many opportunities wasted by the Bulls.

Big improvements needed if we want to avoid an early play off exit.

Death, Taxes and Bradford bottling games.

Yes, we had already secured a playoff spot and today was technically a dead rubber, but Halifax were always going to be up for it and I thought we’d give them more of a game than that. We marched them down the field easily enough, but once again looked clueless when attacking their line. In the first half alone, we bombed three tries from poor handling.

In the second half, we got sucked into the niggle and never really looked like regaining control. I’m not sure what’s going on with Zac Fulton, but his late-season drop-off is alarming. Souter had another brain explosion, getting sinbinned and sapping a lot of energy from the team.

Next week, we’ve got another dead rubber against a side fighting for survival. I just hope our season isn’t coming off the rails at the worst time. Massive response needed.

Lowest crowd of the season incoming next week unless the Bulls have something up their sleeves.

Usually would look at resting a few bodies but the current form must be a concern for EOC so he will likely want to keep some continuity.