Bradford Bulls get home play-off as York can control destiny

And it’s yet more good news for the Bradford Bulls…

BRADFORD 16 BATLEY 14

The Bulldogs have often proved to be a bit of a bogey side for Bulls, knocking them out of the play-offs in 2021, the only side to beat them at Odsal in the first two-thirds of the 2023 campaign, then the drop goal fiasco of May 2024.

And while Bradford played on their fans’ nerves somewhat at Odsal yesterday, they got the job done, powerful wingers Jayden Okunbor and Jorge Taufua scoring the tries in a 16-14 win.

Crucially, it boiled down to Jordan Lilley making two conversions to Josh Woods’ one, a spot of person redemption for the former after what went on in the reverse fixture.

The win has not only secured Bulls’ spot in the play-offs, but it has also guaranteed them a top-four finish and a home eliminator at worst.

Jorge Taufua's first-half try proved crucial in a tense, low-scoring encounter. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Because…

DONCASTER 30 WIDNES 14

Promoted from League 1 ahead of this season, Doncaster looked a decent bet for a shock play-off berth in the first half of the year, only to tail off somewhat.

But they appear to be hitting their stride again, and after demolishing Batley at Mount Pleasant last weekend, they saw off Widnes in style in South Yorkshire yesterday.

The Vikings will be starting to twitch now, with this defeat coming off the back of being beaten at home by York.

Their push for a top-two spot and a bye into a home semi-final has now vanished, and they are now embroiled in a tense four-way battle for the final three play-off spots.

WAKEFIELD 20 YORK 4

York have seemingly decided to repeat their 2023 antics, roaring back with a brilliant second half to the campaign after a shoddy start.

The momentum they had built up was checked slightly yesterday, but games at runaway leaders Wakefield are almost a free hit in truth, and few will keep Trinity to just 20 points at Belle Vue.

York’s last two games are seismic however, against play-off rivals Sheffield and Featherstone, where defeat to either leaves them vulnerable to finishing in that dreaded seventh spot.

FEATHERSTONE 6 SHEFFIELD 20

Sheffield have been in the top four virtually all season, but appeared to be falling away at just the wrong time.

Last week’s home defeat against Bulls, their fourth loss in a row, left them looking the most vulnerable of the contenders to finish outside of the play-offs.

But what a time to rediscover their form, as they trekked to Post Office Road yesterday and came up with a monumental away win.

It puts them up to fourth now, and given they play a dreadful Dewsbury side on the final day, the Eagles can just about stamp their ticket for the play-offs.

The defeat was terrible news for Featherstone, with the perennial top-two finishers now down to seventh.

They host Dewsbury next week, so should take the two points with ease, but there is every chance their final day game at York will act as a winner takes all shootout.

TOULOUSE 38 HALIFAX 18

Scooting back up the table, and Toulouse remain in pole position to claim second behind Wakefield.

Only they and Bulls are left in that particular race, with the runners-up berth particularly important as it guarantees a bye through the eliminators (quarter-finals) and ensures an automatic home play-off semi.

This home win over the Panthers on Saturday evening keeps Toulouse a point clear of Bradford with two games to go.

They face a potentially awkward trip to Widnes this coming Saturday though, with the Vikings in desperate need of the two points, before hosting the unpredictable Batley on the final day.

While still tricky, Bulls probably have the slightly kinder run-in, against Halifax and Swinton, so second is still very much up for grabs.

PLAY-OFF RACE AS IT STANDS (AFTER 24 OF 26 GAMES)

2. Toulouse 33PTS (+344)

3. Bulls 32PTS (+249)

4. Sheffield 28PTS (+122)

5. Widnes 27PTS (+80)

6. York 26PTS (+170)

7. Featherstone 26PTS (+94)