Captain Deacs!

It's been confirmed by the club today that Paul Deacon is to be the clubs new captain for its centenary year, replacing Iestyn Harris. New signing Glenn Morrison has been named vice captain, with Steve Mac praising the new arrivals attitude since he joined up with us.

It's unclear as to why Iestyn has been removed, perhaps to let him focus on his playing side more, as he wasn't that good last year. I'm sure more will fall outin the coming days.

Dewsbury 10-28 Bradford

Well, we started our pre-season hit outs with a good solid performance against the NL2 Champions Dewsbury Rams. It was a good performance, on a pitch that doesn't really suit the style of rugby we and many other SL sides like to play, very tight.

On a dark, damp and boggy afternoon in deepest, darkest Stevo-ville, the young lads, with Harris (Ben), Cook, Saint, Platt and skipper Henderson, gave a very good account of themselves, perhaps with the exception of the wingers.

In an area we are looking short of, Smith and Halley failed to make an impact that could force Steve Mac's hand into the transfer market. Halley had a particularly torrential time of things, with a few too many handling errors, including one that led to a try. Smith was quiet, and didn't really look to get into the game at all.

The forwards were inspring however, getting stuck into the larger framed and more agressive [see Andy Hobson] Dewsbury forwards. Antony Tonks and Matt James were impressive, mind, James has always looked a great player. It seems that a year getting regular games in NL1 has done Antony the world of good, he looks well equipped to be a brilliant forward.

All in all, the signs were encouraging today, except maybe the wingers, but they'll have another chance to impress at Hull KR before Steve McNamara picks just one for the full strength friendly at Wakefield. Here's the newest addition to the site: the pitch map.

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!