ONE would require the mathematical capabilities of Pythagoras to predict the various possible outcomes for how the final Championship table may look, but the fact is that Bradford could yet claim a top-four finish.

Just three rounds of the regular season remain before the leagues split and the top four Championship sides face the bottom four in Super League.

From a Bradford perspective right now, the prognosis is not good.

Quite simply, Rohan Smith's men require not one but two slip-ups from Batley or Halifax if they are to sneak into the top four and set up matches with the likes of Leeds and Huddersfield.

For a club of the Bulls’ size, history and resources, failure to make the middle eights would be nothing short of disastrous.

Not only from a financial point of view, where the difference in finishing top and fifth amounts to £500,000, but for the club’s integrity as a sporting institution.

If they cannot even make the top four in a largely part-time league, what does that say about Bradford as a club?

This time last year there was never really any doubt they would finish in the top two.

Their place in the Qualifiers was assured, albeit they finished six points behind leaders Leigh.

But this time around, things have been very different.

London Broncos have been far stronger in 2016 and Batley, under the astute guidance of the wily John Kear, have enjoyed a remarkable campaign.

Turmoil has reigned at times at Bradford with Jimmy Lowes walking out just two months into the season, citing “personal reasons” for his decision to quit a club he gave blood, sweat and tears for as a player.

Into his place came Smith, who has impressed with his energy, enthusiasm and positivity since arriving at Odsal.

The rookie Australian will be judged on results, of course, and so far he has lost as many games as he was won.

Smith’s record after eight games is won four, lost four.

It has to be remembered that two of those defeats came against Leigh in games that Bradford could have easily emerged victorious.

Smith has utilised his contacts to great effect already, bringing in Kieren Moss and Dane Chisholm from the NRL and signing Lewis Charnock, Joe Philbin and Stuart Howarth on loan from Super League clubs.

Moss, in particular, has impressed greatly in his appearances so far.

Although only a slight figure, the full back can clearly cope with the physicality of the Championship and his speed, positional sense and attacking prowess should serve Bradford well until the end of 2017 at least.

Smith wants to implement an NRL-style mentality and environment at the Bulls and his most precious commodity will be time.

He will need time to truly stamp his mark on the club because he inherited an over-sized squad lacking a recognised scrum half.

There will be players in the current squad who Smith does not necessarily want or rate.

Smith has given as many players as possible a run-out since he was appointed, which was necessary but also not conducive to a settled, established side.

Injuries to key men such as Lee Gaskell have disrupted the flow further.

The likes of Gaskell, Mitch Clark and Danny Addy seem certain to depart at the end of the season for Super League clubs.

There will be a clear-out of fringe players who have made little or no impact during their time at the Bulls.

Meanwhile, men such as Tom Olbison are trying to sufficiently impress Smith to earn a contract at Bradford for next season.

Yet despite everything, it would be foolish to write off the Bulls’ hopes of making the top four just yet.

With all respect to Whitehaven and Oldham, I cannot see anything but two wins for Bradford in the next two games.

Now this is where things get interesting because Halifax have to go to Leigh this weekend – and as the Bulls can testify, it doesn’t get much tougher than that.

Fax then have two home games against Featherstone and London, while Batley face Featherstone and London at home either side of a trip to Swinton.

Featherstone, themselves in with a chance of a top-four spot, host Bradford on the final day.

These remaining three rounds will not be for the faint hearted but there is a decent chance that, come 4.45pm on Sunday, the Bulls will be one point outside of the top four.

Then things really would start to get interesting.