JIMMY Lowes believes Hull’s play-off hopes are over – but has backed his old pal Lee Radford to prove a success at the KC Stadium.

Rookie boss Radford has endured a tough baptism of fire in his debut campaign at the helm. His men have picked up just eight wins from 23 games and are fast running out of time to make the top eight.

Lowes said of his former Bradford team-mate: “Radders took over towards the end of last year and has had a tough season but he’s a good lad.

“He was a good player and he’s been coaching for a few years now – I think he did a bit in rugby union in Hull and he’s had a lot to do with the amateur clubs out there. He knows the game and he’s a top bloke, so obviously I wish him all the very best for his future in coaching.

“He’s a bloke who most people will like but I don’t think they can make the play-offs. You need a certain amount of form and you can’t just switch it on and off.

“Their form has been too up and down and, while you never say never in a game of rugby, I wouldn’t imagine they will make the play-offs.”

Victory for the Bulls on Sunday would mark their third straight win and continue their recent renaissance.

Lowes added: “I’m not chasing the wins, it’s just about playing well and the results will come on the back of that.”