The we're on our way back -Bradford Thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

Just for you Beast.

Things going well on and off the pitch, promotion back up to the Championship hopefully.

And stupids rows with Workington what else could you want.

[The Beast]

Grtty performance but a losing one v Featherstone. Sadly a small number of away fans were ejected from the ground. A real shame for Fev and Mark Campbell but IMO they need to sort this before they get to SL.

IMO another very important game v York tomorrow. Last home game of the season, 4th in the table but with London & Sheffield away to come playoffs not booked.

Eribe Doro who has looked good to date, has signed a one year contract for 2024.

[Luke]

Dan Okoro has signed a permanent contract for next season after being on loan from July.

[The Beast]

Dan Okoro has signed a permanent contract for next season after being on loan from July.

I have not seen much of him as yet but seemingly has impressed Greenwood/Noble.

Badly timed defeat on Sunday v York. Lee Greenwood's post game interview revealing, late withdrawals so no Gaskell and only 3 props, without Segearyo exposed at Hooker and to some extend full back, Connor Wynne being a centre.

Two chances to make the playoffs, away at London & Sheffield. In honesty I don't think if it is the 17 who played on Sunday they will win either. Myles Lawford (SO) is training with the club from his loan at Hunlet, IMO he needs to play enabling Tom Holmes to play full back and maybe even Jordan Lilley to hooker. Dec Patton is nowhere to be seen and presumably out the way out of the club, AJ Wallace is but just does not look the same player as last year to me.

[The Beast]

Scrap the Myles Lawford comments, he has lost a number of teeth in a training accident and is out for the season.

Tricky decision to risk Gaskell's hamstring. Ideally you want to rest him to the playoffs but if they don't win there won't be a playoff.

[The Beast]

Gritty win at London 10 - 12, some excellent defence on show. With York beating Batley playoffs are now booked and it is just as well. Finish at Sheffield on Sunday with what will very likely be makeshift team, issues particularly at hooker.

Good news Ben Blackmore who IMO has been excellent has signed a 12 month contract extension.

[Luke]

Congrats on getting to the play offs, could be an outside bet.

And given that about 15 players from this season (and Jermaine McGilvary rumoured), are all there next year hopefully the start of a couple of play off runs.

[The Beast]

Thank you. This season has had its frustrations but waaayyyyyy better than last. I think with a completely fit squad they would have a as suggested an outside shot but without Baldwinson and in particular Segearyo the side is unbalanced.

I have heard the McGilvary rumour (I suspect he is/will be linked to several other clubs), also Leroy Cudjoe and Olpherts (Leeds) however the latter has now been refuted.

[Luke]

See you've added Wil Oakes.

[The Beast]

Yes, Oakes has signed for 2024. Apparently he has been training at the club whilst without a club. This may well put the McGilvary rumours to bed.

Great win last night v York, sticky first 20 - 25 minutes but took control thereafter, dominating the 2nd half. Credit to York, they stuck at it, the score could have blown out.

On to Toulouse on Saturday. Very very big ask to get anything over there + a worrying injury for Masi Matongo. One way or another this is a big step forward for the team particularly after the way last season ended, on the whole pleased, no complaints.

[Luke]

Congratulations on the result, and in a 1 off game anything could happen. Think Toulouse will just have enough.
But it's been a good season, and definite seeds of progress. Be interesting to see how the new coach starts. Think you could be. Play offs as Think other than Wakefield/Toulouse/Featherstone whoever doesn't go up. It's a open division next year.

[The Beast]

Toulouse in France today, very difficult game, no Scurr (broken hand) and Masi Matongo has unfortunately damaged his shoulder again.

[The Beast]

Well the season has ended in defeat in France. Always up against it but for me having got a foot in door closing the gap to 10 - 6, two quick tries taking it to 22 - 6 at H/T took the game away.

Full credit, at no time throwing the towel in on a very hot day against a Full Time team, they lost the game but their "stock" has risen significantly in the past month, well played.

[The Beast]

Jorge Taufua has signed a one year contract extension.

[The Beast]

Some news to catch up on.

Dec Patton has been confirmed as leaving the club for Swinton. Seemed inevitable as he has been selected in any match day squad since July.

Matt Souter (Hooker) has signed from Canberra Raiders development squad. Only clips on You Tube so far but looks to have a turn of pace and excellent technique so I am very much looking forward to seeing him play.

In relation to the IMG Gradings it is clear Odsal remains the millstone around the clubs' neck. The RFL own the lease (which they want to sell) but also sub let to the Stock Cars Group which has created a number of issues including the size of the pitch. The club have reached out to the Local Authority who actually own the land to upgrade the stadium but in the current financial position of Local Authorities this seems fanciful. Bulls graded 14th with a significant gap to Fev but even if SL expands to 14 I am not sure they will make it.

[Luke]

Surprised Bradford finished higher than Featherstone. 
Odsal is a problem. Trouble is, not sure what they can do. As imagine it would cost s bundle just to fill it in. And given the img stuff, building a stadium with Bradford (Park avenue) as often mooted is in no way viable for either club. 
Can see valley parade becoming the only option.

[The Beast]

I am less surprised in relation to Featherstone. Their Chairman's recent statement on financial losses confirm that they have (to their credit) made a big push for SL and maybe spent above their natural limit. I am disappointed for them that it not worked out, brave move from Mark Campbell, unfortunately it has not paid off.

Odsal is the thorn in Bradford's side.

Good news is that 2 excellent signings have been announced, Dan Smith and John Davies. Not to play down Dan Smith but for me bringing John Davies in is a great signing for the club.

[Luke]

To ve honest there's a lot of B,C grades positions that were confusing. 

But the signings you've made are interesting, and your quietly building a decent squad that should be in the play offs, though alot of championship sides are doing that (Richie Myler to York for a year). Once again the championship should be very interesting.

[The Beast]

Bulls announce that they are not using the dual registration system for this season. IMHO after last years' connection with Leeds this is a very positive decision. With respect to a few of the players who came in (not just Leeds) there were some very average performances that I can only imagine did nothing for morale. There were exceptions for sure, Liam Tindall, Sam Walters & James Donaldson being those who stood out IMO.

Season long loan for the excellent Fenton Rogers an example of all parties benefitting.

[The Beast]

Bulls announce that full back/wing Aiden McGowan will join on a season long loan from Huddersfield Giants. Squad developing nicely IMO.

[The Beast]

Terrible news, full back Tom Holmes is undergoing tests for a rare form of cancer, SPTCL.

Best wishes to Tom and his family through this difficult period.

[The Beast]

Disappointing news, Brad England has left the club to sign for Featherstone. He has been excellent IMO, sad to see him go.

on the plus side following what appeared to be a lengthy trial, former Saints Academy player Eliot Peposhi has signed a 12 month contract. Not seen much of him as yet but seems to have started well in the pre-season friendly games.

[The Beast]

Nice start to 2024 with a good win at Dewsbury in the 1895 cup. First half very impressive, I am a bit concerned for Dewsbury, they improved in the second half and with horrible conditions the game became very scrappy otherwise it may well have been a proper hiding.

Bad news is that Ben Blackmore has picked up what could be a bad knee injury.

North Wales Crusaders in the Cup tomorrow, should be a win but they showed a lot in the League 1 playoffs last season and should not be taken lightly.

[The Beast]

Ben Blackmore confirmed to be out for 3 months (Ankle not knee) which is a blow.

Dan Okoro is apparently on his way to Leeds on a permanent deal with Corey Johnson apparently being loaned the other way.  Having lost Brad England is Okoro does go (and is not loaned back), the pack in particular looks to have very little depth, a dip into the market looking pretty well essential.

1895 cup today, not too bothered in honesty but it is competitive rugby which is good news. Keighley away today followed by Widnes at home, both tough games which is a positive after some pre-season games v SL clubs largely Academy players and too fairly comfortable cup games, hopefully better preparation for the league that starts with some very difficult fixtures and please no major injuries.

[The Beast]

Tough game tomorrow v Widnes in the CC. No Gaskell, Scurr, Blackmore

Following week might be more difficult as Mitch Souter (very good so far) and Eribe Doro both suspended.

[The Beast]

Well that was an interesting week.

Started on Sunday with a very average performance v Widnes, good value for their win in the CC. More bad news Eribe Doro is out for 2 months with an ankle injury, it will be interesting to see if anything comes out of the disciplinary hearing as the incident went on report.

Corey Johnson has joined on a season long loan from Leeds which is a positive and very necessary, with Tom Holmes and Lee Gaskell out it is too much to ask Jordan Lilley to pretty well be the single half back whist at hooker George Flanagan looks like this maybe a season too long at this level.

Keanan Brand has joined on a short term loan from Leigh and will presumably play tomorrow in the 1895 cup game v Swinton.

Some reports suggest the Bulls have signed Tyran Ott, an Australian hooker however it appears he has a trial and not signed at least as yet.

Oh, yes the club have announced that the ground will now be known at Bartercard Odsal stadium, I am sure every supporter will be referring to that moving forward.

Swinton at home tomorrow, I saw some of their game v Oldham via The Sportsman You Tube channel, they look a well drilled outfit, if Gaskell is still out with only 3 props left it could be a another tricky afternoon.

[The Beast]

Ooops I forgot, somewhere the chaos I think I read the club are dual registration partners with League One Rochdale.

[The Beast]

As mentioned by Luke a win in the 1895 cup v Swinton, tough scrappy game in not great conditions but a win. A home semi-final v Wakefield might generate a decent crowd (maybe including me).

Could very much do with some more players back, great that Gaskell is now fit, Scurr, Blackmore, Doro & Baldwinson.

[The Beast]

Zac Fulton (Grandson of the legendary Bobby). Hopefully arriving in the UK in the next 2 - 3 weeks subject to visa requirements. A back rower who looks to be a direct replacement for Brad England, now at Featherstone.

The club have submitted a bid to purchase the head Lease at Odsal from the RFL and are planning to make some changes to the stadium, mainly behind the main stand.

[The Beast]

Well its not dull.

Bulls confirm the signing of Tyan Ott (Hooker) subject to Visa requirements.

Lucas Green (Warrington) and Harvey Wilson (Wigan) join for a month's loan, both of whom make their debut in tonight's game v Wakefield.

I will be listening to commentary shortly with some nerves, No Doro, Scurr, Baldwinson, Blackmore, Holmes or John Davies.  Keanan Brand has been recalled by Leigh, Corey Johnson played for Leeds reserves last week and failed a HIA.  Smart of Wakefield to play in the evening, several Bulls players in action will have been at work during the day.  Looks to be a difficult evening.

[The Beast]

First league game and comfortably beaten at Wakefield. No great surprise but worse still injuries to Gaskell and Jorge Taufua is more bad news for a thin squad with a horrible injury list for this stage of the season.

[The Beast]

Jorge Taufua has been banned for 2 weeks as a result of the tackle that led him to be sin binned and fail a HIA.

Lee Gaskell is out for 6 weeks, torn hamstring

Zac Fulton has arrived with Visa clearance prior to Friday's Halifax game.  He is a back rower,  there are only 2 fit props, no stand off or wingers so there is plenty of scope to get a game........somewhere.

I am looking forward to see how a near full strength side can do, outside of Wakefield I think they are capable of beating any other Championship club on their day. Might be a while before I find out though.

[The Beast]

Tom Holmes has made a statement in relation to his health;

"6 incredibly long difficult months mentally, physically & even more, emotionally. Appointment after appointment, multiple biopsy’s, bone marrow extractions, multiple pet scans & then a second referral to start it all over again in Manchester...

Ive finally got a plan going forward, of some sort.....

The results from all these biopsies still shine no light on what's going on to be honest or a clear indication if it's cancer or not due to rarity of it apparently, the specialists are still unsure and I haven’t had the all clear which is still pretty scary....BUT with my general health stabilising more which is a huge positive & some scans showing activity has shrunk more than before, I have been given the go ahead to try resume normal life while been closely monitored in the hope things keep improving in my body. I’m no closer to knowing what’s started all this, what the complete diagnosis is. I'm just more reassured that it’s less likely to be malignant at this moment in time & hoping it stays that way.

I can't explain how these past months have been for not just myself, but my close friends, and especially my family at home, who have been amazing every step. Home life has been incredibly tough but my partner & kids have been my rock. It's taken so much out of me & i can't even put into words how I've felt daily and how I'm feeling right now. I've always had a glimmer of hope but the more time went on the harder it became, feels like a miracle that things are looking much more positive!

Regarding my rugby, im going to work with the staff to ensure I'm gradually built back into it. I honestly didn't even think I would even be able to get the chance to play again at times. The club have been incredibly supportive throughout all this too so I'm ready to give back the best I can and have a season to remember...best get myself some new boots!

Much love"

Tyran Ott has received his visa and may well play tonight v Fax, possibly at half back as Corey Johnson is unavailable having suffered a serious concussion.

This weeks' loan deals are Max Wood (Warrington) and Connor Car (Huddersfield), both with a good chance to get a game with major issues at Prop and Wing.

Fax tonight.......both sides with injuries.......outcome is anyone's guess but a win would be a major bonus.

Breaking news; The club announce a new investor in the club, NIC Services Group. At the same time Nigel Wood has thanked Mark Sawyer, Adam Fogerty and Debb Sorra which at least suggests they have sold their shares?

[The Beast]

Great win on Good Friday v Fax, pretty well dominated the second half, John Davies at Stand off!! Coaching genius to pull that out of the bag.

Very busy at work at the moment, news a bit difficult to follow consistently and there is seemingly something everyday.

Dan Okoro has signed for Warrington but can (+ others) play for Bradford if not picked by them (and when his broken jaw heals) which sounds like Duel Reg to me.
Having now seen the game v You Tube, Max Wood was excellent, so good his 2 week loan was 1 week and he played for Wire last night.

Fenton Rogers who was on loan from the Giants last season and with London this season is back after a club suspension was lifted following an alleged off-field incident, no idea for how long, 10 minutes, a game, all season, answers on a postcard.

Ebon Scurr's brother Mackenzie has gone on loan to Hunslet,why not Rochdale who the club have duel reg with, who knows.

Fax win vital with two very hard fixtures coming up, Fev away then Toulouse at home the following Saturday with a feint chance that I might be able to travel up.

[The Beast]

Tremendous result at Fev, I have watched the game on You Tube, forwards were excellent and largely controlled the ruck. First win at Fev for 9 years and there have been some hammerings

Toulouse on Saturday another difficult game, they will want a reaction from Swinton.

[The Beast]

Another excellent result coming from 0 - 8 to beat Toulouse. Disappointed I couldn't go, a real shame as Saturday would have been perfect last week, next week, week after, not yesterday.

Anyway 3 wins out of 4 from Wakefield, Fax, Fev and now Toulouse. I was concerned with the injuries it could be 0 from 4, credit to all including the loanees who unlike last year have been excellent.

York away next, hopefully they won't be fooled by their slow start, they have injuries but a number of very talented players.

Jordan Baldwinson has now started training with a view to a slow planned return following knee re-construction. Gaskell is apparently still 6 weeks away, Scurr 4 weeks, Michael Lawrence 4 weeks, Ben Blackmore may play for Rochdale this afternoon and Tom Holmes is training but is of course some way off from being able to play.

[The Beast]

Poor, poor performance v York who were not only good value for their win but the late tries making the scoreline closer than the game was.

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