SL Preview: Bradford v Wakefield

Wakefield enjoyed a superb second half to last season, resulting in them sneaking in to the play-offs.

For Bradford, they missed out on the top eight after suffering a six point deduction for entering administration, following their well documented financial problems of 2012.

The Bulls will probably settle for a quiet year this time round, under new coach Francis Cummins, but both of these clubs are among a group of clubs fighting for the last few play-off spots in 2013.

Finances mean the Bulls haven’t signed as many new players as their fans may like, while the Wildcats boast the import signing of the close season, having snared former State of Origin prop Justin Poore, who was sent off in the pre-season friendly defeat to Leeds.

Bradford won both meetings between these two last season, and they’ll fancy home advantage to see them past Richard Agar’s men in this season opener.

Bradford 19-man squad: Donaldson, Sidlow, Platt, Manuokafoa, Langley, Diskin, Kearney, Scruton, L’Estrange, Blythe, Lulia, Whitehead, Sammut, Addy, Olbison, C Walker, Murphy, Foster, Kear.

Wakefield 19-man squad: Mathers, Fox, Collis, Lyne, Cockayne, Sykes, Wildie, Poore, Aiton, Amor, Wilkes, Singleton, Mariano, Lauitiiti, Kirmond, Washbrook, T Smith, Wood, Annakin.

Prediction: A successful first outing for Francis Cummins – home win.

Stats:

Bradford have won their last six home meetings with Wakefield, with the Wildcats’ last win at Odsal coming 20-12 on 8 September, 2006.

Super League summary:

Bradford won 23
Wakefield won 7
Bradford highest score: 62-10 (H, 2001) (also widest margin)
Wakefield highest score: 44-34 (H, 2005) (Widest margin: 28-16, A, 2005; 26-14, H, 2011)