It is feasible that if results go our way and the Tigers and Wolves win their matches over FC and the Giants respectively then we could end the weekend in fourth spot with the Saints and Wolves within our cross-hairs. If it all goes badly wrong then we could find ourselves back in eighth and once again cut adrift of the top four.
Sundays challenge should not be underestimated. If losing Jamie Peacock for up to six weeks wasn't cruel enough, Brent Webb picked up a two match suspension which has been upheld despite his appeal. Superman missed this crunch game at Bradford and the cup quarter final against the league leaders next weekend. Add the injured Burrows to the list and we are looking worryingly short of playmakers.
There has been some mid-week internet chatter about the potential return of Scott Donald and with Smith switching to full-back it looks like Scotty may be being rushed back early as cover for the suspended Webb. Bluey has named a nineteen which will undoubtedly include a starting half-back pairing of Sinfield and McGuire as; Donald, Delaney, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, Buderus, Jones-Buchanan, Sinfield, Diskin, Eastwood, Bailey, Kirke, Ablett, Burgess, Pitts, Ambler, Bush, and Smith. We're starting to get back to the bare bones and any more injuries will cost us dear.
McBanana must already be packing his bag for his new England job and rubbing his hands that he'll have the pick of the Superleague for his side, rather than the mostly second rate collection of players that he currently has to choose from. Orford looks likely to return to boost a Bulls side who demolished an increasingly disinterested looking Wakefield side last weekend.
The Bulls nineteen has been named as; Addy, Reardon, Sheriffe, Kopczak, Lynch, Scruton, Menzies, Wardle, Godwin, L'Estrange, Halley, Nero, Donaldson, Sykes, Hall, Platt, Worrincy, Whitehead, Orford.
Three Bulls to watch;
L'Estrange
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Menzies
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Orford
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Leeds come into this game with only two victories at home so far in the league this season and will be looking to springboard their season with a defeat of their biggest rivals.
The teams have met twice this year, the first time when the teams clashed in Matt Diskin's testimonial match and the Rhinos ran out 12-10 winners. The other meeting was a different story altogether when the Rhinos gave the Bulls a big lead before coming back to snatch a 20-20 draw.
Last season it was honours even, Bradford won a Good Friday clash 10-6 thanks to some dodgy refereeing at Odsal, before the Rhinos gained revenge with a 33-20 win at the end of June.
Southstander.com Prediction
I have a feeling that this will be an absolute cracker and a nailbiter to the last minute (which probably means that one side will win by a landslide). The bookies are struggling to separate the sides, with most offering the Bulls a two to four point start. With Webbs failed appeal and Orfords return that could swing prior to kick-off, or at best guess we'll start the game off scratch.
This is another massive game for the Rhinos, after last weeks massive game against the Wolves. The top four are now within our grasp and it would be a delight to nick the Bulls spot off them at Oldslum.
It looks like summer rugby has finally arrived with the forecast being for wall-to-wall sunshine. A day for the sunblock rather than the umbrella, which make a very pleasant change for Ordsal.
Don't forget that 50mph speed limit on the M62 and travel safe. It should be an absolute belter.
Enjoy the game!
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