Ablett was MoM against Wire on Friday, despite looking like Nick Fozzard's ugly brother. Kirke seems to be improving week on week, despite looking like Paul Wellens big identical twin, the bloke is friggin huge. Ambler is only 20/21. That's the scary thing with Leeds, they seem to have a terrific production line or a knack of picking up ordinary players (Donlad etc) & turning them into quality club men.

I'm really looking forward to this game, more so than other derby matches in recent years. There's plenty to play for and I think the teams are fairly evenly matched.

Hoping for sunshine, a big crowd and a narrow Bulls victory.

Take a look at some of the threads on southstander Ablett is probably our best second row, IMO he's more important to the team than JJB, Ali & Eastwood.

Some fans are not overly convinced with Kirke but he has made the squad for the last 3 grand finals under both McLennan & Smith.

The production line at Leeds has slowed a bit in the last few years, thats why we bought 4 young lads from other clubs last year which is the next best thing.

Also with a settled, successful side with a large number of home grown players there hasn't been the need to trial too many youngsters. Instead they seem to be cropping up at Quins etc.

To clarify, when I said "average joes" I wasn't referring to ability. I was more referring to the sort of money they'd be on. i.e. probably not in top half earners in SL.

Why is he on a small wage? what do you know?

Not saying he IS. I was simply pointing out that there are players in the Leeds squad that will balance out the superstar wages. Hence why I also mentioned that I don't know how much anyone is on and it's purely speculation. Do I have to explain everything?

Yes please.

BTW looking forward to sunday, too close to call.

Looks like we may both be playing with some injuries.

Should be a good mid-table battle. Hope Leeds look after Nero (pretty good form) like they did Matt King. Don't think injuries on either team will make much difference. Bulls are certainly placing too much importance on Burrow's injury. Don't think any of them have seen how aveage he's been this year. Ablett is on fire and is probanbly the biggest threat to the Bulls.

Bradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos 4.45pm
Ref R Silverwood TJ T Martin TJ M Wilson RR J Roberts VR T Alibert

Why would be Bulls be placing importance on his injury?

and wheres the evidence that we're seeing the hobbit being out as an advantage? TBF think leeds will be stronger with sinfield in the halves if anything.

Looking at the fixtures, with all the four teams below us (inc Leeds obviously) away from home, this is an even bigger game as it is an opportunity to open up a bit of a gap between the top four and the pack.

This is the first time in a long time i've actually felt quite confident about a result against the Rhinos. Obviously they'll probably blow us out of the water now, but we have looked decent, and they are missing players that usually do well against us.

26-14 Win.