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