Pressure is on for Hull to hold top-six place

Dave Hadfield
Saturday 16 August 2003 00:00 BST
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Hull need to pull out of their nosedive at the leaders, Bradford, tonight, if they are to hang on to their place in Super League's top six.

"We've only won one from our last six and its not a very good record," said their coach, Shaun McRae. "We are conscious of the pressure, but the only way anyone can come and get us is if we lose games."

Dean Treister and Garreth Carvell could be added to Hull's long injury list at Odsal. The other worry is the way the Bulls defended at Leeds last week.

"If they do that, we will have to come up with something special," McRae said. "We've done a lot of work this week on our execution, because that has been our fault recently."

The three sides breathing down Hull's neck are all in action tomorrow. Warrington, currently in sixth, go to eighth-placed London and will probably give a debut to Daryl Cardiss, newly signed from doomed Halifax.

The Broncos have Tony Martin returning at centre and Steve Trindall making his debut if he arrives from Australia in time.

They have had an excellent week, with their future at Brentford tied up and two of their top guns, Jim Dymock and Dennis Moran, committing themselves the club.

It is a game that has serious implications for the top six, but the Warrington coach, Paul Cullen, insists: "We are not looking at the play-off situation.

"We've beaten them three times this year, counting a pre-season friendly, and that will put the energy into this match as London try to set the record straight."

Cullen faces a difficult task deciding which of his five Australian players, all of whom have made significant contributions this season, he must release to meet the reduced import quota next season.

"We have looked in vain for English mothers or anything that could get them off the quota, so one of them will have to go," he said.

Widnes, in seventh place behind Warrington on points difference, are at home to Wakefield, who have signed two of their promising young players, Mark Field and Rob Spicer, to two-year contracts. David Wrench has also been given a one year deal as Trinity plan for next season.

Widnes, who have opened discussions with Shane Millard about the possibility of improving his contract, have Andy Hay back after his wife gave birth last week.

St Helens have been reported in Australia to be bringing the Canterbury centre, Willie Talau, over for the rest of the season. Talau, who was not due to arrive until next year, will take the overseas slot vacated by Darren Britt's retirement.

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