Three months ago, everyone would have seen this as a home banker for you.
That people are actually now giving serious consideration to the possibility of an upset here is surely no ill-reflection on you, but rather a recognition that Frannie and the Bulls' team spirit might just surprise a few this year.
FWIW, we totally put Wakey to the sword on Sunday. The most comprehensive Bulls win for many a day. Even after almost beating a strong Leeds side at Headingley a couple of weeks previously, I doubt any of our supporters expected us to crush one of our rivals for making the top 8 the way we did.
But, with all due respect to Wakefield - and whether they were poor because we made them so, or whether they are just poor period remains to be seen - you lot are in a different league, and you know full well you are. And Gentle will not be caught by surprise by a very different Bulls side to what he expected the way Agar clearly was. I think our fans are seriously heartened by what we have seen so far, but under no illusions that you guys on your home turf, and smarting after Leeds' late surge last week, will be a very much bigger ask.
If we play with the effort and skills and enthusiasm that we have seen so far, I'm sure most of us will be pretty happy. To come away with a win, after all we have been through, would really be quite special. I can still hardly believe that we can even admit the possibility.
In any case, although like you we have some big-hitters (Gale, Bateman, Purtell) still out, the big test for us and our small squad will come as the season progresses and injuries take their toll. Few of us are under any illusions.
For Tarquin Fuego - I'd not read too much into that total mullering you gave us last year. Yes, you were very good indeed that day (you barstewards...
). But the RFL had ensured that making the 8 was virtually impossible. And although against all odds the team - remember the scumbag administrator had sacked all the coaching and support staff - had got us to within a whisker of the 8, it was always going to be too big an ask, as I feel sure the RFL intended. That game was the one where the lads recognised it. No-one blamed them - they had worked a minor miracle up till then. They may yet work some more minor miracles.
Impressed with the nature and tone of this thread guys. And TqF is entitled to his opinion. Heart says we may yet cause an upset; head says you'll probably be happier bunnies going home tomorrow night. Either way, lets hope its a good competitive game and we neither of us pick up any serious injuries.