Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 6:03 am  

So onto the final game of the regular season. Strange game this one with Sheffield now guaranteed a top 4 finish regardless of the result. The Bulls however may need to win this one to remain in the play offs. I imagine a draw would suit both sides quite nicely!

We generally save some of worst performances for the viaplay cameras which isn't helping my confidence either. I guess it brings added excitement for all teams in the mix heading into the final week but it might not be great for the amount of grey hairs!

Maybe York can do us a favour tonight and take a little bit of the pressure off by at least confirming it won't be our last match!

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:13 am  

Who all limped off? Myers, Jowitt and Flanagan I think. We have cover in the backs but hooker is looking an issue if these injuries are significant. Batieri finished the game yesterday as hooker but I think we need to look within our academy/reserves if needed

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 10:23 am  

Certainly a bit battered and bruised going into this. Lets hope it's not a case of 3rd or 7th come kick-off time.

Baitieri is suspended. Losing Lawford is proving to be a huge blow. Mick said Doro took him out with a reckless challenge and the club weren't impressed.

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 4:14 pm  

I must have missed Batieri getting suspended, is it just one game?

One saving grace may be that SE may rest some players if they can’t finish anywhere other than where they are ie getting a home tie for round 1 of Play Offs

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 7:15 pm  

I hate to say it... but what are the rules around dual reg heading towards the play offs? Unless we have somebody who is capable of stepping up from the academy?

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 8:42 pm  

Play off spot now confirmed, just a question of where we finish now.

Re: Sheffield (A) : Mon Sep 18, 2023 8:52 pm  

[quote="Bully_Boxer"]I hate to say it... but what are the rules around dual reg heading towards the play offs? Unless we have somebody who is capable of stepping up from the academy?[/quote]
Think they have to have played a certain number of games to be able to play.

Re: Sheffield (A) : Tue Sep 19, 2023 10:12 am  

Well done the club for reaching the play-offs. 12 months ago we were at a real low. A toxic season, overweight players, Doyle signed for Keighley. Relegation was a fear.

Well done the club for turning it around. They've infuriated us all throughout the season (wouldn't be a Bradford team if that wasn't the case) but you end up where you deserve after 27 rounds and if that ends up being 3rd behind a Full time Toulouse and a strong Fev team, I think that's an outstanding achievement. Let's not repeat 2 years a go where we limped in and out of the play-offs. We can have a real crack here.

Re: Sheffield (A) : Tue Sep 19, 2023 1:09 pm  

Having York beat Batley has made this game a lot less stressful than expected. It'll be interesting to see how the club play this one. We are guaranteed a playoff spot regardless of the result but obviously a home tie would be ideal against the 6th place side.

Do LG/BN rest certain players with any niggles going into the business end of the season or do we go all guns blazing and try to hit the playoffs in a bit of form and snatch 3rd place from Sheffield.

If we lose the game and Halifax and London both win we will have to return to Sheffield in the first round of the playoffs. Halifax and London are playing Swinton and Keighley who are both trying to avoid relegation on the final day of the season. Both sides need a win to stay up. So much to play for and a very exciting weekend of Championship RL.

Re: Sheffield (A) : Tue Sep 19, 2023 1:35 pm  

I don't think we'll see a reserves side out but we'd be mad not to rest anyone with a knock, particularly on Sheffields pitch. Can't see us risking Myers.

Do we risk Gaskell and Holmes on a 4g pitch?