With the business end of the season now upon us, T&A reporter Ross Heppenstall assesses the chances of Bradford Bulls' rivals in our club by club guide to the Super 8s. His conclusion is that Jimmy Lowes' side should make the 'Million Pound Play-off'.
SHEFFIELD EAGLES
COACH: Mark Aston
KEY PLAYER: Dominic Brambani
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Third in the Championship
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, August 9 (3pm) at Odsal
PROSPECTS: Sheffield will go full-time next year and there is no shortage of ambition within Mark Aston’s squad.
Realistically, it is difficult to see them challenging for a top-four spot, but they are certainly capable of picking up a win or two.
The pressure is off the Eagles as they aim to beat Bradford for the second time in a month.
PREDICTED FINISH: Eighth
WAKEFIELD WILDCATS
COACH: Brian Smith
KEY PLAYER: Bill Tupou
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Twelfth in Super League
FIXTURE V BULLS: Saturday, August 15 (3pm, live on SKY) at Belle Vue
PROSPECTS: Although the Wildcats have won only once since Brian Smith replaced James Webster, their performances have improved considerably.
Their display in the final-round defeat at Huddersfield was said to have been their best for some time and Smith will hope his squad overhaul will pay dividends. The likes of Scott Moore, Bill Tupou and Lee Smith will aim to make their mark, although Kevin Locke’s injury is a concern.
PREDICTED FINISH: Sixth
SALFORD RED DEVILS
COACH: Tim Sheens/Ian Watson
KEY PLAYER: Rangi Chase
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Eleventh in Super League
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, August 23 (3pm) at Odsal
PROSPECTS: At times this season Salford have looked too good to go down – on other occasions, they have looked too bad to stay up.
The Red Devils claimed victories over Catalans and Hull KR before Leeds put 70 points on them at Headingley.
Marwan Koukash will be praying that players such as Ben Jones-Bishop, Junior Sa’u, Rangi Chase and Adrian Morley can help prevent a disastrous relegation.
PREDICTED FINISH: Fifth
WIDNES VIKINGS
COACH: Denis Betts
KEY PLAYER: Kevin Brown
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Ninth in Super League
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, September 6 (3pm) at Odsal
PROSPECTS: Captain Kevin Brown has proved himself one of the best play-makers in Super League in recent seasons.
His ability to unlock opposition defences should ensure the Vikings are back in Super League again next year.
Although strong at home, Widnes’ away form is a concern for coach Denis Betts.
PREDICTED FINISH: Second
HULL KR
COACH: Chris Chester
KEY PLAYER: Albert Kelly
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Tenth in Super League
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, September 13 (3pm) at Craven Park
PROSPECTS: If Hull KR lose to Warrington in Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final, it would mark a fifth straight defeat.
Losing has become an unwanted habit for the Robins but it would be a major surprise if they do not safeguard their top-flight status in the coming weeks.
Albert Kelly has adapted well to the English game this season and can beat teams on his own.
PREDICTED FINISH: First
LEIGH CENTURIONS
COACH: Paul Rowley
KEY PLAYER: Ryan Brierley
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: First in the Championship
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, September 20 (3pm) at Leigh Sports Village
PROSPECTS: Promotion to Super League would be a fitting tribute to the progress they have made under Paul Rowley in recent seasons.
The Centurions are blessed with pace and power, but can they maintain the required intensity over seven weeks?
Their performances in the Challenge Cup this season suggest they can.
PREDICTED FINISH: Third
HALIFAX
COACH: Richard Marshall
KEY PLAYER: Scott Murrell
REGULAR SEASON FINISH: Fourth in the Championship
FIXTURE V BULLS: Sunday, September 27 (3pm) at Odsal
PROSPECTS: Logic would suggest that Halifax will finish bottom of the Super 8s given their finish in the Championship table.
Yet only a fool would write off Richard Marshall’s in-form side, who deservedly beat the Bulls last weekend to claim a ninth straight victory.
Seasoned campaigners such as Scott Murrell and Richard Moore will relish facing top-flight opposition.
PREDICTED FINISH: Seventh
PREDICTED TABLE AFTER SEVEN ROUNDS
1 HULL KR
2 WIDNES
3 LEIGH
4 BRADFORD
5 SALFORD
6 WAKEFIELD
7 HALIFAX
8 SHEFFIELD
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