Merry Christmas

To all who read this litte blog, a very Merry Christmas from me.

I look forward to seeing all the Bulls fans at Dewsbury with abit of luck!

Platt Deal Concluded

In the last few days news has broke that Michael Platt has completed his long standing transfer to the bradford Bulls for a fee of approximately £10k. The news comes as a relief to the player and both clubs, as Cas could not afford to keep the player due to salary cap restraints, and the Bulls have got their man for a reasonably decent price.

Platt has also expressed his relief at being able to link up with the World Champions.

News Of Centenary Shirt Announced By Club

The club have taken a fantastic step towards celebrating the centenary of the club today, by announcing that there will be a centenary shirt released this weekend which will amazingly, feature no sponsors and carry the Bradford Northern logo! After scouring the local boards, I found a picture which some 'insider' has taken, although the Bulls logo is something to be possibly excused, but this gives us a feel of what we could be buying this weekend..

2007 Fixtures

Pre-Season Games
07/01/2007 -- Dewsbury Rams v Bradford Bulls -- Won 28-10
21/01/2007 -- Hull King.Rov. v Bradford Bulls --
28/01/2007 -- Wakefield Trin v Bradford Bulls --
05/02/2007 -- Keighley Coug. v Bradford Bulls --

Fixtures Released

The 2007 SL12 fixtures were released late last night, and it sees us playing our good old friends Leeds four times this season, one of which will be played in the bumper Cardiff weekend. Twice at Odsal also, which makes a pleasant change from going to Leeds twice in the weekly rounds.
There is some discontent from Bradford and Saints fans though, so I hear. There is dismay how Hull play Hull KR four times, whilst we play Leeds and Wigan respectively four times. No disrespect to KR, but why are Hull given a far easier rub of the green? The gulf in class between KR and Hull is unbelievably large, and one must assume Hull will be getting a fairly easy 8 points, where as we will have to do our damndest to get 4!

Quite astonishing.
On the plus side, Catalan away is not in March this year, but on June 2nd! And Warrington at home [29/04] will be my 18th, so please don't hesistate to get the drinks in!

Solomona Signs!

The long awaited transfer was finally concluded yesterday, and David Solomona has signed a 3 year deal at Odsal.
We've yet to hear from the big man yet on his transfer, as he's on his way back from Auckland to start training, but Steve McNamara couldn't get enough words in about just what the Solomona transfer will do for the club.
Whilst I agree to a certain extent, I feel that Steve Mac is slightly milking the whole thing. Granted, he's an excellent addition, and we can only grow stronger with players like him in the team, but one man certainly does not make a team.

I'm sure more will follow in the coming days, including Sol's side of things.

A Great Disappointment

So, another Britain series ends in disappointment, following the 33-10 defeat by Australia in Brisbane yesterday. The question now needs to be posed: Is Brian Noble the man to take GB forward. Let's look at the positives first..

Yes He Is!
The Britain team has arguably become more competitive in the 3 years Noble has been in charge, we seem to be more able of toppling the likes of Australia than we did 3 years ago, we look more competitive on the field, and there is more heart.

Noble has only had Jon Sharp as a real coach, and even he is part-time in a GB sense. If Noble gets his wish for a proper coaching setup, he believes we'll be able to compete with any team at any level.

No, Go Now!
His squad selections have been overwhelmingly disappointing in most senses. Why he consistently plays Leon Pryce out wide when he's had a great season at 5/8th for Saint Helens is anyone's guess. He certainly doesn't look right there. The inclusion of Richard Horne yesterday is also another hottly debated topic. Also, why was Kirk Yeaman dropped after he played so well against Oz? Mind-boggling.

With the world cup ever approaching, a fresh face might be the answer to GB's woes. Several names have been branded around as you would expect, with John Lang being a popular choice of some British fans. Maybe Noble has taken this time as far as it can go?

I can't describe where I put myself, possibly leaning towards the side that say 'Go Nobby'. Without disrespecting the man, I can't agree with his selections or tactical decisions, and feel a new coach would be beneficial for GB to move onwards and upwards.

So, what about the Bulls for GB? Well, there wasn't many at all, in fact...just one played! That was Terry Newton, who looked decent enough at hooker, but it has to be said James Roby offered more to the side when he came on.

So all that's left now is to look forward to January 7th, Warrington away! It'll be mega!

Squad Numbers 2007

The club released the squad numbers today for next season, with no major shocks really.
Interesting how Platt's got one, even after everything that happened yesterday.
They are:
1 Marcus St Hilaire
2 Marcus Bai
3 Ben Harris
4 Shontayne Hape
5 Lesley Vainkolo
6 Iestyn Harris
7 Paul Deacon
8 Joe Vagana
9 Terry Newton
10 Andy Lynch
11 Chris McKenna
12 Glenn Morrison
13 Jamie Langley
14 Chris Feather
15 Matt Cook
16 Ian Henderson
17 James Evans
18 Sam Burgess
19 Micheal Platt
20 Andy Smith
22 Craig Kopczak
23 Matt James
24 Dave Halley
25 Jason Crookes

Platt Move Thrown Into Chaos

With news breaking from Castleford this morning that new Bulls recruit Michael Platt is now training with them again, his move has thrown up in the air. Indeed, the Bulls had paraded him around as a Bradford Bull officially, but now it's been heard that Platt did not have a relegation release clause in his contract, but the Tigers were reluctantly letting him go. It's now emerged Bradford are arguing over the small fee Castleford want for the player, and the case is going to a tribunal!

It's more stuff the club can do without really, given the fact we are being investigated for tapping up David Solomona as well. It seems that we are being rather petty, and it shows how much we want Michael Platt. Evidently not much, if we are refusing to pay a fee for the player!

It's also worth noting that Mick Withers is still a Bull of sorts, he hasn't officially gone to Wigan yet, although the club have taken him off the squad list. Could his non-move be linked to the Platt deal possibly falling through maybe?

Only time will tell.

McKenna Will Miss Start Of 07

More bad news today confirmed by the club, in the scope that Chris McKenna will miss the start of next season after undergoing wrist reconstruction surgery. On the grand scale of things, if we had to suffer an injury anywhere, it's lucky that it's in our most stocked position. The gate has now flown open for Matt Cook to make a storming start to next season and hold down a place in the 17 at last.

For McKenna though, it is unclear where this leaves him. How many injuries can one man sustain in a career? It'll be interesting to see how he comes back from this, but all the best Chris.

Ferres Goes With A Bang

Brett Ferres today left the Bulls with a trail of blood behind him! He took one huge parting shot at the club's recruitment system, lambasting them for prioritising foreigners over homegrown players. He said:

"I was really happy with how I'd gone and it never crossed my mind that I'd be moving on," Ferres explained.
continued...

"But Steve (McNamara) wanted Solomona and it seemed he would do anything to get him."

One can only be inclined to agree, I for one never expected Brett Ferres to be leaving the club at the end of this season, given the good form he was in. I also agree with the points he's making, which have been true about this club now for a number of years. I seem to remember a similar parting shot from Lee Gilmour, calling the club the Bradford Kiwis. One can only ponder what players like Matt James will think at these actions the club have took to get their hands on Solomona.

Rumour-o-meter

You can never get away from the rumours, so here on the Bulls blog, we've got all the rumours that are doing the rounds at the moment. If I've missed one out you know of, please feel free to mail me, and I'll update it.

Matt Cook is poised to join Hull KR on a season long loan to give him first-team experience.Could be an element of truth here, as Cook's chances will be limited in 07.

Andy Smith is also headed to Craven Park, but on a permanent deal.Unsure what to believe really, as Smith has rejected moves away in the past.

Stuart Reardon could be in line for a sensational return, as Marcus Bai's long term replacement.Not likely. He's reiterated his desire to stay at Warrington before, so what's changed? Probably nothing.

In's And Out's

In's
Chris Feather - Leeds Rhinos
Glenn Morrison - Parramatta Eels
Michael Platt - Castleford Tigers
James Evans - Huddersfield Giants
David Solomona - Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Out's
Brett Ferres - Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Brad Meyers - Gold Coast Titans
Matty Brooks - Hull KR
Stanley Gene - Hull KR
Paul Johnson - Warrington Wolves
Karl Pryce - Gloucester RU

Former Bulls Star For England

Brett Ferres put in another really good performance in England's bad tampered Fed Shield win over Tonga today, which left some Bulls fans with a bitter taste in the mouth, especially with the sight of Ryan Atkins play for his country again, when deemed not even good enough to pip Ben Harris 6 months ago.
It left me to think, just what do the club hope its youth policy will do in the long run? Strengthen other clubs?
When you add up the numbers, and see Stuart Reardon and Chris Bridge at Warrington, Leon Pryce at St.Helens, and Ferres and Cook at Wakey, it really does beggar belief. Not to mention Fielden and Peacock at respective Super League rivals.
Granted, the David Solomona signing is a big one for the club, and he's a top player, there's no doubting that. But I find it hard to concur that the club are 'giving' the best young prospects around to other clubs in exchange for another player.

One must feel a total cash deal would have been the far better option the more and more you look at it.

CE Davies Leaves Bulls

News breaking in the T&A today says that chief executive Gareth Davies is to leave Odsal before the end of the year to return to his roots in rugby union. This news has thus far been met with a mixed reaction by the Odsal faithful, as some still hold a massive grudge against him as being a lead weight in the Noble to Wigan saga in April. Whether or not that is true remains to be seen. However, many [including myself] felt that Davies was the be the key in the Odsal redevelopment scheme, and his department again throws the whole situation into jepoardy. However in the article, he has assured fans the stadium development looks 'more promising that ever before' and that we as a club are 'certainly not on the slide'.
Davies is thought to have been touted up to head to the Welsh RFU to take a not too dis-similar role which he occupies now at Bradford. In his time here however, I and some others think that the club has headed in the right direction all round, so thanks must be extended to Gareth Davies.

2007 Pitch Maps

Here's all the pitch maps for this season's games..

Pre-Season
Dewsbury Rams

Jamie Langley

Date Of Birth: 21/12/1983
Position: Loose Forward
Weight: 108kg
Height: 6ft 2"

Chris McKenna

Date Of Birth: 29/10/1974
Position: Second Row
Weight: 100kg
Height: 6ft 3"

Glenn Morrison

Date Of Birth: 28/05/1978
Position: Second Row
Weight: 98kg
Height: 6ft 1"

Sam Burgess

Date Of Birth: 14/12/1988
Position: Utility Forward
Weight: 104kg
Height: 6ft 3"

Chris Feather

Date Of Birth: 07/12/1981
Position: Prop
Weight: 112kg
Height: 6ft 4"

Craig Kopzcak

Date Of Birth: 20/12/1986
Position: Prop
Weight: 110kg
Height: 6ft 4"

Ian Henderson

Date Of Birth: 23/04/1983
Position: Hooker
Weight: 91kg
Height: 5ft 9"

Terry Newton

Date Of Birth: 07/11/1978
Position: Hooker
Weight: 98kg
Height: 5ft 10"

Andy Lynch

Date Of Birth: 20/10/1979
Position: Open Prop
Weight: 108kg
Height: 6ft 2"

Joe Vagana

Date Of Birth: 21/01/1972
Position: Blind Prop
Weight: 130kg
Height: 6ft 3"

Marcus Bai

Date Of Birth: 14/10/1972
Position: Right Wing
Weight: 100kg
Height: 5ft 11"

Paul Deacon

Date Of Birth: 13/02/1979
Position: Scrum Half
Weight: 82kg
Height: 5ft 9"

Michael Platt

Date Of Birth: 23/03/1984
Position: Full Back
Weight: 92kg
Height: 6ft

Iestyn Harris

Date Of Birth: 25/06/1976
Position: Stand Off
Weight: 91kg
Height: 6ft

Matt Cook

Date Of Birth: 14/11/1986
Position: Right Centre
Weight: 95kg
Height: 6ft

Ben Harris

Date Of Birth: 24/09/1983
Position: Right Centre
Weight: 96kg
Height: 5ft 10"

Dave Halley

Date Of Birth: 12/10/1986
Position: Wing
Weight: 78kg
Height: 5ft 9"

Marcus St Hilaire

Date Of Birth: 26/01/1977
Position: Utility Back [Primarily Full Back]
Weight: 95kg
Height: 5ft 10"

Shontayne Hape

Date Of Birth: 30/01/1982

Position: Left Centre
Weight: 104kg
Height: 6ft 2"

Andy Smith

Date Of Birth: 06/07/1984
Position: Wing
Weight: 101kg
Height: 6ft 3"

Lesley Vainikolo

Date Of Birth: 04/05/1979
Position: Left Wing
Weight: 115kg
Height: 6ft 2"

The 2007 Squad - So Far

Backs

Forwards

Welcome

Welcome to the unofficial Bradford Bulls fansite. I've found 'Blogger' a useful tool in the past, and think its ideal to create a site about my favourite pastime. Hopefully you find it very useful as reading material, and a fansite to keep up to date with.