Bradford: Qualifiers preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 15:51, UK
We take a look at Bradford's Championship campaign so far, and look at their promotion hopes in the Middle 8s.
Story so far:
Finally some stability for a Super League giant that has so badly lost its way. Bradford’s off-field problems are well documented, so it’s good to see some on-field performances to finally give the fans some hope.
The Bulls always looked likely to mount an assault back on Super League the moment they were relegated last season, and they’ve recruited like a side that expects to be back in the competition next season, adding some last-minute quality before the 8s begin.
Second behind Leigh is no disgrace; they finished just six points behind the Centurions, losing just four games on the way.
What’s gone right:
Keeping a decent squad together was always going to be the key to any Bradford success and they’ve managed to do just that at Odsal. Players like Adrian Purtell, skipper Chev Walker, Lee Gaskell, Jake Mullaney and Dale Ferguson are all of Super League standard, while new recruits James Clare, Dane Nielson and Matt Ryan give the side an edge they’ll need if they’re to topple any of the big boys.
It looks a side ready-made for Super League so credit to the owners for keeping the faith and making sure Bradford are in a strong position to return where they belong.
What’s gone wrong:
The Bulls take some slightly dubious form into the 8s. They’ve not won since thrashing Hunslet at the start of July - losing to Sheffield and Halifax and drawing with Leigh.
Considering they’ll have to play those three sides again in the qualifiers, James Lowes will be concerned his side have given their opponents a slight advantage going into those pressure matches. Momentum is key to any side climbing into Super League, so it’s a worry that Bradford tailed off towards the end of the season rather than pick up the pace.
Middle 8 chances:
Teams won’t fancy going to Odsal, with plenty of dark Super League memories still lingering from the glory days. And there’s a chance Bradford could harness some of that old-fashioned Bulls spirit in this promotion bid, though it’s going to be tricky.
But it’s Sheffield, Salford, Widnes and Halifax at home for them and they’ll target that Salford game in particular as one to win. Overtaking the sides at the top of the Middle 8s could be difficult, as could an away trip to high-flying Leigh.
But they’ll fancy their chances of at least reaching that ‘Million Pound Game’ - where fourth play fifth to decide the final spot in Super League. And don’t bet against them winning it.
One to watch:
Lee Gaskell is a class above in the Championship, the half-back having marshalled his team all season. But it’s some statement of intent from the Bulls to bring in Dane Nielsen, a man who’s played three State of Origin games for Queensland.
His off-field antics may not be exemplary, but the former St George Illawarra player will be looking to make amends on the field, and that could well work in Bradford’s favour at the right time of the season.
