Bradford Bulls vs Castleford Tigers Super League Round 26 Tips & Prediction
Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers meet at Odsal on Thursday with both sides desperate for points near the bottom of the Super League table. Castleford are backed to stay inside the +2.5 handicap, with Mikaele Ravalawa the anytime tryscorer selection.
- Bradford have lost six consecutive Super League matches.
- Bradford have conceded 28+ points in all six of those defeats.
- Castleford have won just one of their last six matches.
- Bradford have conceded 248 points across their last six games, an average of 41.3 per match.
Bradford Bulls vs Castleford Tigers Betting Tips
Castleford Tigers +2.5
Neither side brings much winning form into this game, but Castleford look the more trustworthy option with the start. Their pack should be able to make ground against a Bradford defence that has struggled throughout this losing run, while the Tigers have already shown they can win away from home recently.
Mikaele Ravalawa Anytime Tryscorer
Bradford's defensive problems also make Mikaele Ravalawa an appealing tryscorer option. Castleford should get opportunities close to the Bradford line, and Ravalawa has the power to capitalise if the Tigers can create space on his edge.
Bradford Bulls Form
Bradford have lost six straight and remain bottom of the table. Their defence continues to be the biggest problem, conceding at least 28 points in each of those six defeats.
There was at least improvement against Toulouse last weekend despite having 17 players unavailable. Kurt Haggerty has also made it clear that avoiding the wooden spoon has been addressed directly within the squad ahead of their final two matches.
Castleford Tigers Form
Castleford have won just once in their last six, but that victory came away against Hull FC. Their forward pack has shown more energy and physicality than earlier in the season, which should give them an advantage against a Bradford side that has struggled badly for territory.
Castleford's defence remains vulnerable, but Bradford haven't shown enough consistency with the ball to make them convincing favourites.
Bradford Bulls Team News
Bradford remain heavily affected by injuries, although Dan Russell and Phoenix Steinwede have returned to add some experience. Haggerty confirmed there are still sore bodies following the Toulouse trip but those who came through the game are ready to play.
Castleford Tigers Team News
Castleford have Daejarn Asi, Mikaele Ravalawa, Tyler Dupree, Liam Hood, Jordan Lane and Joe Stimson among their available options for the trip to Odsal.