Hull claim home advantage

Their first victory over the Bulls this season - inspired largely by the outstanding Danny Tickle - ensures they will welcome either Huddersfield or Wigan to the KC Stadium next weekend.

Huddersfield are more than likely to be their opponents, barring a defeat at the hands of Hull KR.

With Bradford coming into the tie knowing only a win would allow them a chance of leap-frogging Leeds into second spot, they started well by bossing the first half but having failed to achieve more than a 4-4 scoreline at the break, were made to pay in the second.

In a nervy and largely uninspiring half, Tame Tupou posted the only try with Tickle's two penalties evening the balance.

It came completely against the run of play when Graeme Horne handed Hull a 46th minute lead.

Tracking James Evans after another break, the second-row managed to strip the ball from the centre and then, with the Bulls defence off-guard, race 60-metres to the corner for a superb individual score.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as David Solomona filled a gap created by Ian Henderson's delightful pass to score, with Iestyn Harris' goal handing the power back to the visitors.

Hull's pack, led by the magnificent Paul King were starting to dominate though and were able to take a lead that they never surrendered shortly after the hour.

When referee Richard Silverwood handed Hull a dubious scrum 30-metres out, they seized the opportunity to press on and Tommy Lee held up a neat pass which was gathered in and converted by the onrushing Tickle. Whiting played football with a loose ball for 30 metres along the right touchline before grounding for a third Hull try.