Robbie Paul - can lead Bulls to glory.

By Dave Ord

Betting Box Tipping Guide

BETTING BOX
FIXED ODDS
	12pts Bradford to finish top of Super League VIII at 7/4 (Ladbrokes, Blue Square).	Sure to be hard to beat at home and have strength in depth throughout their squad.

Only three sides can end the season on top of Super League – the bookmakers know it – and in their heart of hearts even the most optimistic of supporters from elsewhere in the top flight know it.

Bradford, St Helens and Wigan are the trio and the Bulls simply have to be backed at 7/4 to win this particular race.

In 2002 that honour went to St Helens but they start the new campaign without Keiron Cunningham who is injured and his loss will be a key factor in the opening games.

Ian Millward's troops went on to beat the Bulls in a fantastic Grand Final – when most neutral observers felt the Yorkshire side were the better team on the night.

Saints are wonderful on the big occasion, the best side in the country on their day, and sure to be thereabouts at the end of the campaign.

But they can still slip up unexpectedly and their horror show in the World Club Challenge shows they can be rattled – albeit by an exceptional side.

Wigan were our choice for the Challenge Cup but at shorter odds are readily passed over on this occasion.

They have lost several experienced stars ahead of the new campaign as the salary cap bites and while they have a host of exciting youngsters to call on, they may lack the necessary consistency to finish on top of the pile.

That leaves the Bulls, who are back at fortress Odsal for 2003 and desperate to exorcise their Grand Final ghosts.

Brian Noble has lost Brian McDermott from his “awesome foursome” and seen the likes of Brandon Costin and Nathan McAvoy leave the three-quarter line but he has a strong squad at his dispoal.

Shontayne Hape arrives from New Zealand with a tall reputation and the early signs are this man mountain will terrorise defences in the summer ahead.

Karl Pratt, controversially released by Leeds, is another shrewd acquisition as he is a prolific try scorer and has immense utility value.

The Bulls have a strong pack, outstanding half-backs and penetrative three-quarters. With their fanatical backing it is easy to see them going through the season unbeaten on their own turf and their strength in depth suggests they will have the consistency to see off their two challengers.

The time is right to step in and snap up the 7/4.

Leeds are traditionally the other major challenger but they have a much changed squad and seem to lack quality in some crucial areas.

They will make the play-offs – but not threaten the big three.

The same remark applies to Hull who still don't look ready to make the leap from play-off hopefuls to championship contenders.

They need Jason Smith to stay fit all season but have the youngsters to make an impression in the closing stages of the campaign.

Richie Barnett is potentially a fine signing and he will be missed by a London side who can no longer be expected to challenge for top spot.

They will be hard to beat in the capital again but their big name imports are reaching the wrong end of the age scale. A host of young British stars point to a bright future at the club but 2003 won't be their year.

Castleford could struggle to make the top six this season given their tough draw – and Graham Steadman could be one prop short as the season progresses.

Nevertheless the Jungle will again be a daunting place to visit and Damien Gibson and Paul Mellor are useful additions to the three-quarters.

Widnes had a dream return to the top flight last season but go into the new campaign with a catalogue of injuries.

The loss of Steve Carter is a huge blow and Neil Kelly will need to bring in a quality number six if they are to avoid a long, tough campaign.

Wakefield have recruited well from Australia, Ben Jefferies and Matt Seers looking particularly sharp, and should be safe long before the last day, their fate in the last two years.

That leaves Warrington, Huddersfield and Halifax with the Wolves the strongest of the three on paper.

Coach Paul Cullen looks to have the ability to lift his troops too and with Lee Briers still at the club, they too should avoid the potentially fatal drop.

That means a Calderdale scrap for the bottom spot.

Halifax are favourites given their financial restraints but coach Tony Anderson can use that to his advantage.

He has some proven top flight performers at his disposal too but they look weak at half-back which is a huge concern.

There is some talk of Huddersfield being contenders for the play-offs but this looks way wide of the mark.

They have added quality to their promotion squad – but not enough to threaten the Castlefords and Londons of the world.

Second bottom is their first target – but they will need to start well if they are to achieve it.