I realisically expect us to be beaten convincingly by Wigan, Saints and Leeds. Also I expect us to struggle in games where we should really be winning comfortably. On top of that I expect an early cup exit and another 1st round play-off exit

Why ? Nobody in the league has a better pack than us, Deacon is a quality halfabck, its just up to the 1 to 6 guys to prove what they can do, theres big raps coming from Nero, Jeffries, Tupou ect if they can do what they say there going to do we will be up there.
I really feel Tame Tupou is going to have a big season for us. With a full pre season and no injurys worries he could possibly be one of the best wingers in the league, big statement i know, but last year he was made a scapegoat and he is a quality player when fit. 20 tries at least from the man mountain next year.

If we can eradicate the 'silly losses' in games we could or should be winning, there were six or seven instances at least of this last year, Saints at home being one, then we can finish fourth

Yes. Big raps coming from last years underachieving players. You'll forgive me if I don't leap for joy. Bad back you know

If the new players fit in to the team
If you do not have any major injuries
if Mc namara gets training, selection and tactics right
if players play to their potential
If your academy players step up when needed
if you do not have any major disciplinary problems
If ref's deciscions go for you
if you have good luck
If other teams recruitment etc does not work or they have major problems with any of the above

if all of these things go for you, you could finsh about 3rd.
if not and some of the things mentioned above go wrong for you you could finsih as low as 8th.


that is called realism .

most of the other posts on here come under the heading optimism.

you are no better or worse than about 5 other teams you are competing with ( excluding saints and Leeds). the issue is how much luck you have.

Been said a lot of times before, for eg before the 2007 season, when a side widely tipped to miss the play-offs chalenged for top spot throughout the year despite one actual and one virtual (cheers Ganson) points deduction. Despite this consistent under-tipping, Bulls' lowest SL finish remains fifth.

If Deacon can remain injury free and Jeffries can establish a good rapport alongside him in the halves (which after all they didn't get much of a chance to do last season with Deac's injuries and with Harris still around), then Bradford will have a stable platform upon which to build next year.

Compare that say to Wigan, who are going with a new half-back combination (virtually), and a new hooker. Teams who are successful build around a solid core that gels together. Teams who constantly replace players in core positions on the other hand have a tendency toward inconsistency.

Remember the team has really been in a rebuilding phase over the past couple of years, but with the old guard now gone things can progress steadily.

I think that's a bit optimistic. I don't think our backs are good enough to secure 3rd.

I'd say that 5th is the best we'll manage.

If we have a better record against the likes of Saints, Wigan and Leeds, see some youngsters come through and avoid as many embarassing slip ups then that will be an improvement in my eyes.

Being realistic the Bulls should aim for a top 4 finish, but imo they will finish no higher than 4th at best, most probably 5th

Teams that will definately <imo> finish higher than the Bulls are:
Saints, Rhinos & Wigan

There aren't.

At the moment, every team is exactly level on 0 points.

I meant player quality wise.

In the ponts sense then everyone is level.

In the quality sense Bradford are around 7th.

Hmmm. . . . .

You happy to take a bet on the Bulls proving you wrong on that position in terms of their standing at the end of the regular season then.

a lot of noise is being made about wigan being good next year

In terms of players I think we can expect a lot more from Nero

Vidi, Vici, Veni!