Bradford focus fully on task of closing with two wins

That is the last thing they require after all the hurdles already overcome to even get to this point.

Many, quite rightly, would argue the club should already be there, home and hosed in the top eight.

If it had not been for a six-point deduction for entering administration, handed down six weeks ago, Bradford now would be safe in sixth place.

Tonight’s opponents Hull FC, meanwhile, would be the ones desperately doing the maths to work out if they will make the cut.

Instead, their East Yorkshire visitors have no such pressure burdening their shoulders.

The spirited Bulls, though, can still complete a fairytale finish and deliver what they set out to do at the start of the season.

Coach Mick Potter, who initially worked for free after being made redundant on July 2, has urged his battling squad to take matters into their own hands in tonight’s intriguing televised game.

“The play-offs has to be the focus,” he said. “We know we lost the six points and we just want to work hard to get those back.

“We don’t feel that as a group the points deduction was anything to do with what we did but we have paid the price for other peoples’ mistakes.

“It’s certainly spurred the players on – there is no doubt about that – and it’s evident in the results we’ve achieved and how well they’re working for each other.

“We are not looking at what other sides have to do or not do because we know that if we win both our games we will be in there and in there on merit. We have spoken about not getting involved in other scenarios because if we do it will burn us.”

Indeed, the simplest equation of all is if Bradford win tonight and again in Perpignan next weekend – admittedly tough assignments – neither Wakefield nor Hull KR could shift them from eighth.

Of course Bradford, without any of the trauma, uncertainty and chaos currently blighting them, have failed to reach the play-offs since 2008 which would make this feat all the more remarkable.

A positive end to the debilitating saga is finally in sight with Omar Khan and consortium partner Gerry Sutcliffe MP both ‘Tweeting’ last night that they had rescued the Bulls and a deal had been done with the administrator.

Khan tweeted: “Omar Khan’s and Gerry Sutcliffe Save the Bradford Bulls and are the new owners of the club.”

But after so many false dawns during the last five months, Potter understandably just wants to concentrate on the 80 minutes’ play ahead in what will surely be an emotional final home game.

“I think the emotions would be there in any case,” added the Australian, currently linked with the vacant New Zealand Warriors job.

“We have played that many ‘last’ games at Odsal over the past few months it’s getting ridiculous.

“But it’s something we are not focusing on; we are just looking to get the result for the fans because, believe me, they have been great.

“We’re desperate to do well for ourselves but also for the supporters, who have been outstanding.

“There is a proud group here; the players, the volunteer staff and the fans – no one else.

“You only have to look at the game at Huddersfield. It was outstanding what they contributed, not just in numbers but also in the noise they made. It’s a special place to be at the moment. Not ideal because of the situation but a very special place nevertheless.”

The victory at Huddersfield was a third successive win which leaves them a point ahead of resurgent Wakefield in ninth.

Hull, meanwhile, are seeking a response following a dismal loss at bottom-placed Widnes Vikings.

Strengthened by the return of England centre Kirk Yeaman and influential hooker Danny Houghton, they are hunting a win which would all but secure sixth spot and secure a home play-off.

Coach Peter Gentle has challenged his side to take inspiration from Bradford themselves.

“From our last game, there was a lot of things that had to change but mainly our attitude and especially in defence,” he said.

“That’s what Bradford have at the moment; they have a good attitude and a desire to defend comes on the back of that.

“The challenge for us is to match that attitude and enter the game with some enthusiasm of our own. It’s important to get out there and show a real determination and excitement to show what we can do ahead of the play-offs.”

Gentle added: “We embarrassed everybody involved with the club with our performance against Widnes, whether supporters, administration staff or players who didn’t play that game.

“We now need to get a bit of excitement back into the squad.

“The business end of the season is on us. We just have a couple of games and then the play-offs, and the players are desperate to prove they are much better than they showed in our last match.”

Hull, who edged a 24-18 win over the Bulls in March, said: “Bradford have done exceptionally well. They’ve had a siege mentality – it’s them against the world and they’ve thrived on that.

“They’ve managed to get some settled combinations and are playing some very good football.

“They are playing with plenty of emotion too but I’m expecting us to get our attitude back in bucket loads this week and I’ll be disappointed if we don’t.”