More importantly why should Hull fans be bothered?

Interested to see how Bradford go

Undoubtedly our toughest to date

Fraid not.
Drop ins at best.

They have - but Danny Sculthorpe is no Sam Burgess.

Full strength although I do doubt that we will have the full side out for the whole of the 80 minute duration.

Remember that the gate is a shared gate on Thursday due to the Stanley Gene transfer from 2006, so we as a club will be getting half.

Looking forward to this game now, now that Matt Orford definitely making his debut and at £12 for a adult.

Referee: Richard Silverwood

The last time he took charge of this fixture, all hell was let loose as he gave a Super League record 34 penalties (21 of which went to Hull KR).

We lost 20-18 that day.

No squad news as of yet, but I'll post it as soon as it's in the public domain.

Bradford by 24

I just hope that he doesn't turn the game on Thursday into a farce mate, he has developed the knack of blowing 20/30+ penalties in a game which is far too much whistle.

I remember a game at the Shay about ten years ago when Colin Morris was the referee and he gave no penalties all game.

Amazing in todays game.

not sure myself, they've lost a lot of good players and only gained a couple and I don't think McNamara has it, think the wolves will be out for him early this year.

Halifax vs Hull FC .... I think it was the game when Prekkie kicked a last minute drop goal from the middle of Batley.

Hmm. [i Lost "a lot of good players"[/i? Bit of curate's egg more like IMO, I'd say, although for sure there are several we could have done with keeping in an ideal world. Anyway, my quick takeLost

Deacon - derided (unfairly IMO) by most oppo fans; never same since that bad injury in the Tri-Nations though and far too predictable

Newton - won't be missed after a mediocre year, and rumours of trouble behind the scenes. Our late surge coincided with his being injured.

Morrison - one we will defo miss - if stays free from injury and not sat in the stand half the season.

Solomona - sat in stand most of last year; looked like could not be d.

Jeffries - never really shone. When we signed him, the Wakey fans rightly told us he has a few good games and rather more nothing ones (although now he is back with them he's God's gift again, funnily enough...)

James - sadly, no real loss

Tadulala - another we will miss, since we are light on the wings if we keep playing Sheriffe.

Cook - would have preferred to keep him, and think you have a good capture there. He always seemed to think he was worth more (in game time and money, I believe) than the coach did. Time will tell, but good luck to him.

Burgess - a performing Burgess would be missed by any club. Sam did not really perform to his potential for us for much of last season though, so we'll miss him less than we should. OK, two more very promising Burgesses coming through, even bigger than he is, but a way to go yet.

[i"Only gained a couple"[/i? Guess we'll know the truth of that better in a few weeks, butGained

Orford - not seen anyone suggesting we'd have been better keeping Deacon? Rep speaks for itself, although late arrival means will likely be a few weeks before we see him on true form though so make the most of now!

Kearney - played 7 against Leeds, and ran the show. It was like watching a different team - he was excellent. I think he will shock a few at 6 this season.

LeStrange - what a refreshing change from Newton - just like Henderson was a bit back. Another to shine at Leeds, and another I think will shock a few when he gets into his stride. In fact, with Orford Kearney and LeStrange at 7,6 & 9, I think you won't recognise the Bulls this year. And (from our point of view) for all the right reasons.

Reardon - I was chuffed at this signing, and early signs justify that. I think he will surprise his doubters this season, and will play out of his skin, and may well prove to be our most astute signing.

Sculthorpe - well we'll just have to see. He'll either be a revelation...
or pants! Definite wildcard for mine!

Hall - one hard guy, will take some stopping - early outings very promising.


Developers

Watch out for Donaldson, Whitehead and Olbison to name but three. Potential for some future internationals in there. Might just see Crookes (injured most of last season) and Kopczak rise to the challenge too this year, and if Scruton carries on as he left off end of last season we'll cope without Sam.

Whatever happens on Thursday, I really do think that those who dismiss the Bulls as not having improved compared to last year may be being a tad premature. But feel free to write that down someplace, to throw back at me if (and heaven forbid) we have any kind of repeat of last season...