To be fair to Mick, it doesn't take alcohol.

True, but as he was already well on his way when I saw him sunday, and judging by his posts on various forums later that night, I'd say it had a significant effect.

I wouldn't go with the four forwards on the bench again like today and kind of feel had we had Sykes on the bench then at least he could of been the much needed organiser we needed out there in those final ten minutes to close the game out and ensure the two points.

As disappointed as I am over the loss to Leeds today, I really do feel that our defence and attack has improved significantly for us to give Wigan a real game at Odsal on Sunday, even more so if our kicking game was as good as it was today (minus the Briggs kick out on the full and failed kick to touch from the penalty).

I know this maybe myself taking away some of the pain from today but despite the absolute harrowing emotions, I was proud to wear the shirt and call myself a Bradford supporter today and it really does augur well for a decent season for the 2011 Bradford Bulls.

You know what I get the horrible feeling that we'll be seeing either Silverwood or Child at Odsal on Sunday.

I think Wigan will have too much for us this early in the season, but we'll give them a game and 100% effort will do fine for me.

Agree mate as long as the effort is there like today then I will be happy, although losing Langley for four weeks is a massive blow.

It is a blow, but it's a chance for Addy or Donno to push their way in.

We can only ask for the effort, and under Mick Potter I am certain it will be there.

Lets hope they rally round to cover for the loss of Langley.

Kearney
Ainscough
Walker
Platt
Ah Van
Briggs
Herbert
Lynch
L'Estrange
Hargreaves
Whitehead
Elima
Addy

Diskin
Scruton
Kopzcak
Royston/Sibbit/Donaldson

The team looks spot there but I feel we shouldn't go with four forwards on the bench again and even though it might be hard on Sibbit, Royston IMO should get the nod.

I may be a little harsh - but I wasn't impressed with Sibbit today. Lazy in the tackle and didn't offer much in attack. He gets more than one chance from me though - especially after impressing in the friendlies.

Royston went well though, so I wouldn't mind him on the bench. I hope we give Addy or Donno the 13 spot over him though. I reckon it'll be Addy as Donno has only just returned to full training.

I've not watched the game back yet but Ganson had a long chat with him at the end of the first half.

From what I saw he wasn't holding on any longer then what the Leeds players were IMO so maybe it was something other than just being a bit slow in getting off the grounded player??

Either way he had a good solid pre-season so I won't be jumping on hate wagon any time soon.

Royston had his moments also at the start of the second setting Diskin up for us try from dummy half.

I think we'll see Sibbit, Briggs, Royston really shine against the lower caliber sides.

Tbh, I think we'll see Briggs shine full stop.

Whitehead
P.A.V
Briggs
Diskin
Platt

Main 5 to watch for me. I'd have put Elima in - but we know exactly what we'll get. Solid metres & Brutal defence

Just to add - Sykes will struggle to get a game imo with Ah Van, Platt & Walker all playing well.

Elima is like a machine that has tripped and won't stop.

We look completely different from last season with the new players that Potter has brought in and if the Herbert/Briggs partnership takes off then we'll be flying in no time at all and with that we'll be able to challenge the top four this season IMO as todays game showed.

I really do feel that we the right mix of players at the club at this moment in time which all holds well for exciting times ahead.

The next six games are:

Wigan Warriors (H)
Crusaders RL (A)
=#FF0000Wakefield Trinity (H)
Huddersfield Giants (A)
=#FF0000Castleford Tigers (H)
St Helens (A)

The ones in bold I expect 110% the two points and I think most supporters would agree.

Huddersfield, St Helens and Crusaders are what I would call 50/50 games.

Dave Halley will be the same I feel unless we have injuries

This is what the Wigan supporters are saying will be the 1st choice starting XVII.

FB 19 Roberts
RW 2 Goulding
RC 3 Gleeson
LC 4 Carmont
LW 25 Charnley
SO 1 Sam
SH 7 Leuluai
P 21 Mossop
H 9 McIllorum
P 10 Coley
SR 11 Hansen
SR 16 Hoffman
LF 13 O'Loughlin

S 8 Fielden
S 11 Hansen
S 15 Lima
S 22 Farrell

The loss of Deacon could be a potential gamebreaker.

I know you posted this in November mate, but I think I've been quite reserved about the events today

Do we know if Herbert is likely to be fit for the weekend? A massive boost for us if he is. Really looking forward to this game.

As long as we put in a good solid performance and our heads don't go down then personally I am not fussed about the result.

Agreed!

When the fixture list was announced and saw Leeds and Wigan as our first games under a new coach with so many new players still looking for valuable game time together I feared the wost and didn't expect any points.

If the performances are heading the right direction and we can see positive signs of improvement, then thats good enough for me. Its not the biggest crisis in the world if lose 2 on the bounce against the 2 former championship winning sides!

End of the day this year is about beating teams like Crusaders and Cas, And upsetting a couple of the 'big 4 teams'.

That's what getting into the top eight will mean.

[url=http://uk.weather.com/weather/dailyDetails-Bradford-BD6?dayNum=6Looks like we'll need to dress for rain[/url

Could effect the crowd but as I said yesterday if we are to beat Wigan on Sunday, then the rain will help.

I'd expect at least 12,000 even with rain.

Well there will be at least 10,300 there straight off. I would expect about 14000 really.