Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham)

Bradford under Robert Hicks:

P2 W2 D0 L0 F78 A46

Bradford 38-28 Wakefield
Bradford 40-18 Wakefield

Hicks wasn't bad at all in the game against Wakey, hopefully the score will be the same though LOL

I think the Bulls will beat Cas this week. I know they pipped us at Cas in Rd2, but the Giants were absolute crap that night. And Catalan could have beaten them with a bit more composure last week.

If Scruton continues his slow start to the campaign and we get dominated in the forwards again, I'd like to see Burgess in the 19 to add size to our pack.

I'm going for a Bulls win TBH, Cas not been away from home yet bar mm, Bulls will want to improve on last week, Bulls by 10

Yeah, I agree it's pretty even looking down the squads. Cas probably will have more confidence, in fact it would be strange if they didn't, but I suspect there will be a bit more resolve from the Bulls (actually I suspect the coach will have demanded it), and with luck, from our POV, it won't be necessary to come back from two scores down, though I confess there is s certain amount of wishing and hoping in my expectation of the points.

No chance against Castleford unless the defence is tightened up. Last week there appeared to be no cohesion, no passion, and no game plan. Problem that I see is that to start with we do not have a good defensive fullback,Sykes ,Kearney, Royston, Halley are not good defensively. Come back Keith Mumby!. I suggest the powers to be at Odsal and any one else interested to watch Featherstone's Ian Hardman in next week's televised match against Halifax. Last year he was the best defensive fullback in that division by a country mile.
I am not too sure about the captaincy. Although Lynch is a good player, he does seem to have the power to inspire. Elima was the French captain, why not give him the chance?
Finally Ah van is not a bad tackler, it is just that he is too slow to get into a position to make the tackle. Oh, and another experienced halfback such as Handforth at Batley would be not a bad idea.
All comments welcome. John.

a full back should not be required to make tackles IMO.

70% say Castleford

I think he needs a week on the sidelines while Burgess is given a go. He must be ready for the first grade now?

Hardman is not a SL player. He showed that at Saints.

The fullback is the last line of defence. It is like saying a goalkeeper does not need to make saves. A good defensive fullback or goalkeeper instils confidence that if the line is breached, there will be someone who can be relied on to save the situation.
Another example was Platt in his last year at Castleford. The best attacking fullback in the game they were saying. What they were not saying was he was the worst defensively. Castleford had the most points against and were relegated.
I just hope none of the Odsal coaches think the same as you.

When Hardman was at Saints he was only a teenager. I still think he would make the transition. Watch the match next week and then let me have your comments. By the way he is still only 25.

We really should beat you, We are so well drilled this year, And your defence is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

But i am rather worried. Think you may hit back, And our first away game. We will see.

If we beat you well, I think it will mean after 10 SL rounds, Cas will be 10 from 10. Confidence is high, Some big players to come back. And we are playing very well

No it will mean after 5 rounds Cas will be 5 from 5.