Friday 23 January 2015

2015 And Into New Territory with Jamie Peacock.





WELCOME TO OUR FIRST BULLieve OF 2015.

IN THIS WEEKS EDITION WE HAVE,

INTRODUCTION TO 2015

FRIENDLY REVIEW BULLS V TIGERS,

BRIEF HISTORY OF NORTHERN/BULLS V LEEDS,

INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE PEACOCK,

FANS MENTIONS.

AND FINALLY. 
 
 



INTRODUCTION TO 2015,

2015 has finally arrived and lets be fair it couldn't come soon enough for Bulls supporters, its been a long off season but what seems to have passed relatively quickly compared to some seasons gone. Good news has rolled out of Odsal almost constantly with shirt launches new memberships and now the potential news that Marc Green is looking at buying the stadium back from the RFL, positivity rings around Odsal once again, and as fans we are also optimistic of what will be a challenging but a very competitive season in which the Bulls enter unchartered territory.
Season tickets continue to sell well with some great incentives to join and with the number beginning to reach the 4,000 target, stability is finally being built.
Jimmy has built a squad that is more than capable of dealing with the championship and now waiting for the impending arrival of powerhouse Epalahame Lauaki which just adds a lot more power and go forward to our front row.
Our season Kicks off on the 15/2/15 at Leigh which is a hugely anticipated match with both teams hoping to be in contention for the Super League.

2015 Fixtures.
 

Andy Lynch Testimonial, Bradford Bulls v Castleford Tigers,

The first hit out for the Bulls was a very good workout, and the first time we were able to see some of the new faces in action, in the first 40 minutes it was as though Jimmy had already worked his magic, and his pre season regime was clearly reaping the benefits. Jake Mullaney who was brought in to replace Brett Kearney was the Bulls outstanding player and had a hand in a all 3 tries, which were scored by Jay Pitts, Ryan Shaw and Adrian Purtell. In all the Bulls looked fit, well organised, and showed some good attacking flair. At half time Bradford seemed to be in firm control by leading 14-6, but a raft of changes, and a change of shirt to the Castleford Tigers also, that was the end of the scoring as the Tigers nilled the Bulls in the 2nd half.

In the 2nd half several other new faces from the Bulls took to the action, including Karl Davies, Samir Tahraoui, Chris Ulugia and Vila Halafihi, but with these replacements they just seemed to lose there rhythm and field position too. Castleford took full advantage and went onto score 3 unanswered tries. There are certainly signs of promise for the new season ahead with the players happy to blow the cobwebs away and get out onto the pitch once more.

Sadly due to the recent snowfall as most of us are now aware the Huddersfield game did not go ahead as planned due to Health and safety and a frozen pitch, this game will NOT be re arranged, and supporters who bought tickets in advance can claim a full refund by calling 08448 711 490 or by visiting the team at Odsal where they will be more than happy to help. Hospitality is being dealt with separately.  

Brief History of Bulls/Northern V Leeds, 

When Bradford met Leeds last season, Bradford's fete to the Championship was confirmed, despite the adversity of this Bradford came out victors 14-20, against our arch rivals and showed to rest of Super League just what they would be missing this season, unless we draw Leeds in the cup or the super 8's Sunday's trip to Headingley Carnegie will be our only visit this season. That particular visit was Bradford's 120th visit In league action. Of there previous appearances there, Bulls/Northern have won 39 times, with 73 defeats and 7 draws. Overall in the league at all Venues, including play-offs and Grand finals, the two clubs have met 248 times. Leeds have won 137 of those games with 12 draws and 99 defeats.

The first time that these 2 Arch rivals met in a Challenge cup match was the Challenge Cup final on May 3rd 1947, Leeds went into the game 6/4 favourites mainly due to the side reaching the final without having any points scored against them, it was then once again a world record crowd watched the match of 77,605. Northern were to run out victors 8-4 Willie Davies picked up the man of the match award and Lance Todd trophy.


Bradford's biggest Super League victory over Leeds came on 24th May 1996 when the Bulls ran out 54-8 victors, there have been some memorable occasions between 2 of the Heavyweights of the SL era, with the 24,020 then record crowd, Cup finals, Grand finals and the infamous 2 that Sinfield should have taken for Leeds. (sorry to rub it in)

Last season was a long time coming for the Rhinos as they finally got there hands on the Challenge Cup again at a 6th attempt by beating Castleford Tigers 23-10 at Wembley, well done Leeds we wish you all the best for 2015. Don't worry though were just having a break we will be back, and we will be challenging for SL honours once again hopefully to create some more great memories.

INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BRADFORD BULL, EX ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL
AND CURRENT LEEDS RHINO'S 2nd ROW, JAMIE PEACOCK MBE.
 



Born in Leeds but became a success of the junior programme at Bradford, Jamie Peacock began plying his trade first off for Stanningly ARLFC, before becoming a first team regular at Bradford Bulls and spent some time on loan at Featherstone Rovers. 
He made his Super league Debut in 1999 but it was the following year he really made an impact by helping beat Leeds in the challenge cup. During his time with Bradford he won every honour avaliable also winning Man of steel, Players’ Player of the Year and Rugby League Writers’ Player of the Year.
Jamie earned himself a place in The  England side for the 2000 World Cup And made four appearances in the World Cup that year, scoring an impressive six tries which including a hat trick against Fiji at Headingly. 
Jamie played for the Bulls at second-row forward in the grand final victory against Wigan in 2001,
In all he had a glittering time at Bradford and became an ever present of the bulls side. Once again going on to be victorious in 2 further Grand finals and in his final season honoured with the captains armband in 2005. 

Jamie then moved onto Leeds, and carried on his superb form and also captained the GB side. He has carried on being out a stand out performer for the rhinos season after season and once again gone on to win every honour avaliable at Leeds. In 2012 you were honoured with the MBE, and also announced your retirement from the international scene. 
  • 2001, 2003, 2005 Grand Final Winner (2005 as Captain)
  • 2002, 2004 Grand Final Finalist
  • 2000, 2003 Challenge Cup Winner
  • 2001 Challenge Cup Finalist
  • 2003 League Leaders Shield
  • 2002, 2004 World Club Challenge Winner 
Leeds Rhinos
  • 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 Grand Final Winners
  • 2008 League Leaders Shield
  • 2008, 2012 World Club Challenge Winners
Great Britain / England
  • 2002, 2007 Test series win over New Zealand (2007 as captain)
  • 2006 Captained Great Britain to 1st defeat of Australia in Australia for 12 years
  • 2004 Four Nations Finalist
  • 2009, 2011 Four Nations Finalist (as Captain)
Individual Awards and Achievements
  • 2003, 2005 Bradford Bulls Player of the Year
  • 2008 Leeds Rhinos Player of the Year
  • 2006, 2007 International Forward of the Year
  • 2000 England Player of the World Cup
  • 2007 Golden Boot Runner up (International Player of the Year)
  • 2003 Players, player award
  • 2003 Yorkshire Sports Personality of the Year
  • 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 Super League Dream Team
  • 2005 – 2007 Captain of Great Britain
  • 2008 – present Captain of England
  • 47 caps for England/Great Britain
  • 2005, 2006, 2007 World X111
  • 2000 – 2010 British International Player of the Decade
  • 2012 Awarded an MBE . 
WOW jamie what a Career so far and it's still continuing into 2015, here are some questions from us at BULLIEVE. 

Q. You have had a glittering career Jamie can you just tell us about your time at the Bulls and some of your high's and lows whilst playing for Bradford.

A. I  loved playing at Bradford, they were some very special times, I remember my debut against Wakefield in 1999 fondly. To play in some amazing games Challenge Cup, Grand Finals, and to win from 3rd was awesome (Grand Final) we got on such a good run and there was so much self belief within the squad, it was an amazing finish. It was on a very sad note I left.

Q. You played with some great players during your time at the Bulls, none other than the current Bulls coach James Lowes, can you tell us a little bit about Jimmys attitude on the pitch and in your opinion what will he instill to players as a now head coach.

A. Well, Jimmy really is a ferocious competitor and his will to win is literally second to none. He does have a very short fuse though, Jimmy is a very talented guy with an amazing Rugby League brain, I mean going back to my playing days if you look at the breaks that were made they were nearly all down to him and guided us around the park with precision, one thing with Jimmy though he never really grumbled he just got on with it, but he was a great bloke to have in your team and play with.

Q. As you are now coming to an end to your playing career what do you intend to do once you retire from playing, do you think a coaching role will suit you and if so what capacity.

A. I don't want to be a coach its far too Stressful, I'm currently taking a masters in sports business and administration, I want to be more of a help to the management side. I honestly really don't think I could handle the stress of being a coach I want something a bit more sedate but just as rewarding, I definitely want to be involved with Rugby League though.

Q. Of having the opportunity to play in what was the Biggest derby in Super league what was the atmosphere like in those games and despite the bulls turmoils did it still have that magic over the past few seasons.

A. The atmosphere from the terraces is intense just as much as the ferocity on the pitch, the derby games were immense to be a part of. They still had the magic of the derby during the problems but it wasn't the same Bulls, there was frustration that Bradford were not up there challenging for honours and that they were struggling, it was sad if anything to see Bradford in those situations.

Q. We ask everyone this question I'm afraid as were very curious about nutrition and diets, as a hard running front rower what is your diet and Daily training regime, and how does it differ from during the season to the off season.

A. My diet is very strict and stringent on an average day I usually take in around 6'000 calories, diets have changed so much since I started playing and is such a big factor in performance now. I go from eating scrambled eggs, broccoli, nuts, meat, allsorts of veg to Jaffa cakes, Its all about getting the right amount of everything really to be able to perform to your best. Oh yes and protein drinks too in between meals.

Q. You have had a fair share of injuries during your time, what was your worst and how does it effect you mentally.

A. I have only really had 1 serious injury and that was in 2010 with a knee injury,  Danny McGuire also had a very similar injury too, its all about taking small steps and being patient, simply you just have to get on with it. It was frustrating as I missed out on Wembley that year, but it seemed to be the harder that I worked to get back into fitness the worst it got, while ironically Danny was back in no time, its hard watching from the side lines but like I say you just have to get on with it, It did stun me though being told I would be out for 6-8 months, Rugby league can be a cruel game sometimes. 

Q. If you could pick one moment from your career and I mean just one (be honest) what would be your most memorable moment in Rugby league.

A. Oh the 2006 series when Gareth Raynor  scored a try in the corner for G.B, I think the ball went through about 6 pairs of hands it was an amazing sequence to behold, that has to be one of my favourites and memorable, i've got so many but that's my stand out.

Q. You have played in some great games not just SL but the international scene too, do you feel that England is getting closer to the oz game, and should we revert back too GB so there is a bigger pool of players to pick from to compete on the international stage.

A. England is certainly closing the gap on the Australian game, but yes definitely. I certainly see a future for a G.B touring squad every 4 years it would strengthen squads and make the competition more competitive than what it already is, as I can see there really is a future for it in the calendar and if it is to be revived it cant come soon enough it certainly is the better brand.

Q. Why do you think that Rugby league is treated the way it is and not given the media support it should be.

A. RL struggles for the media attention and I really don't know why, it needs fighting for to get the recognition it deserves, its a top sport with top athletes. I mean there's RL players that can move from sport to sport such as RL to boxing, to be a player you have to be so athletic these days. Its out there in the community too so much and a lot of that work often goes unrecognised.

Q. Do you feel that that the salary cap in SL should be raised. 

A. Yes I do it would certainly help keep the best in the game.
Q. If you have any advice for any aspiring young player wanting to follow in your footsteps into RL what would be your advice to them.

A. Basically enjoy yourself and have fun with your team mates, listen to your coach, most importantly enjoy playing the game. Eat the right things and listen to any advice you are given.

Q. Without the Bulls in SL next year how do you think they will fare in unchartered territory, and will the super league be a poorer place without Bradford.

A. Its going to be a very competitive season in the Championship and Bradford are going to be the scalp every team is going to want. but they have the right man at the helm in Jimmy who will guide them in the right direction, SL will feel strange without the Bulls but hopefully you guys wont be away for too long.

Q. You have played with against some formidable opponents, who would you say was toughest opposition you have come across.

A. I have played against some ferocious and very strong talented RL players I don't honestly think I can just choose one.

Q. As mentioned you potentially played in the greatest Bulls side ever, do you think that Bradford can dominate the SL once again and be that formidable force they once were. 

Q. When you decided you wanted to play the great game of RL who we're your major influences and inspiration to succeed in RL.

A. My dad was a very hard working man I learned that to get anywhere you have to put the effort in to reap the rewards, I learned the game from some top quality players such as Brian McDermott, Bernard Dwyer and Steve McNamara, these guys would work there socks off and were major influences in my early days. 

Q. What's your own opinion on Sam Burgess moving to Bath and not staying in RL, is that another sign that RL going to lose all it's talent to the other code because of the extra finance and money involved.

A. It shows once again that League has the quality but its sad and it all goes back to the salary cap and arguments why it should be raised. I believe that every club should be able to have a marquee player, fans want to see the talents of Sam Burgess, Sam Tomkins Sonny Bill Williams etc, but lets make it strong and fair, I would love to see a top union player sign up in league and see how that went.

Q.  Jamie I suppose we must mention your current side that you play for somewhere in West Yorks 😋 we think, how do feel you will fare in the upcoming season and do you see another grand final at the end.

A. Yes I feel we have a good chance of reaching the Grand Final there's lots of belief in the squad already and were raring to go for another crack at it, its going to be a tough competitive season they don't get easier that's for sure but were hoping to finish with some silverware.

And finally Jamie:
Q. With Robbie also at the helm at the Bulls how will his input help the club.

A. Robbie is a true Bull he understands the Bulls brand better than anyone, he will take the club forward even further, he is a very talented guy indeed and exactly what the club needs. You guys now have the right people in place, the fan base is phenomenal, there is a great squad at Bradford and I honestly think you guys have every chance of getting back into SL again without too much of a delay.

                                                     
Thank you to Jamie Peacock for taking time out to speak to us at BULLieve we really do appreciate your time. We wish you all the best for your 2015 campaign.

Don't forget Jamie Peacocks testimonial game is this Sunday at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium, lets try and pack out the ground and show them what Super League is going to be missing, you can secure your tickets by calling 08448 711 490 or by Clicking Here tickets are priced at £15 adults , Concessions £10, Students £10 and under 16's £5 lets get the stadium rocking. Tickets will also be available on the day.

                                                               FANS MENTIONS,

As most of us are aware one of our very own fans has been battling Testicular cancer, Keith Johnson AKA "Captain Hornblower" well we are very pleased to announce that everything is now progressing in the right direction. No further chemo is required at this time and no other appointments are required unless anything pops up from his monthly blood tests all is very positive. Keith would like to thank everyone for there messages of support. Its great news to hear Keith please keep us all updated we wish you all the very best.

We asked in our Facebook group before Christmas to hear about some of your favourite Bulls/Northern memories, we had a great response to this and promised we would feature this in our first blog of 2015.
Tony Lambert was the first to comment on this with his memories, "Bulls era winning our first SL title at Sheffield, in the Northern era the fog coming in over the wall on the Rooley avenue end v Wigan, the game was on sky Gerald Cordle scored in the corner no one saw but everybody cheered"

Andy Kenny followed up with his memories "Beating Halifax at Thrum Hall... When Matty Elliot said he was a spectator for the last 20 minutes, McDermott tapping a couple of Leeds players at Huddersfield in the cup and the song coming over the tannoy "so ya wanna be a boxer" And Bull boy Knocking St Bernard's head off at Knowsley Rd and getting sent off".

Dennis Foley " Beating Widnes at Swinton in Prem final in 1978 they were our bogey team. Ellery Hanley going all the way down the touchline to score against Featherstone, Beating Leeds in semi final at Huddersfield the first time to get to Wembley, but the most recent one is the away game at Huddersfield last season when we were relegated it showed we ARE the best fans in rugby league, sang from start to finish and beyond, had lump in my throat for all 2nd half.

Paul Ashworth recalled "It was St Bernard who started the fight at Knowsley Road by pushing Bull boy, and he had enough and shoved him back, if memory serves me right we won that game by a couple of points. (Yes Paul your memory is still alright). Paul continued, "My Fave memory of Northern was when we won the Premiership in 1978 at Swinton, I don't remember much of the game but we were just stood in front of the players bench and Peter Fox was shouting to Selwyn (Ian Van Bellen)" Ian stick Mills" Selwyn stuck by him all game and big Jim didn't do much it was a brilliant day indeed. Best Bulls moment, so many to mention but for sheer excitement it has to be the Mick Withers drop goal.

One of my favourite Bulls memories was taking my Dad back to Odsal, he had lost a bit of interest after the name change to Bulls but I decided that one afternoon we would see if "Northern" were playing, it turned out to be that we were at home in the Challenge Cup Quarter finals to Warrington, where we demolished them 52-16, after that my Dad was hooked again on the "BULLS" and it became a family afternoon out, much to my delight my Mum loved going even though I do believe she never quite got the hang of the rules and it was Henry Paul's physique that kept most of her attention. (Tom BULLieve)

Thank you to you all for your contributions, sorry if anyone was missed out but its impossible to post every single comment but we thank you all for your input.

                                                          AND FINALLY,
There is also a sale currently taking place at Odsal providing savings of more than 50% on official Bulls merchandise, these are all available at the shop and on line, if you purchase a Adults 2015 home shirt you will get a FREE Bulls scarf (RRP £14:99). The team shop is open at Odsal 9am till 5pm Monday to Saturday, there are also some other great bargains to be had so its worthwhile taking a look. There is also the Limited edition 'Bulls Forever' Ball, these are priced at £24:99 and have the features of the faces of Bulls stars Lee Gaskell, Adam O'Brien and head coach James Lowes on the panelling of the ball.

 If you know anyone who is the ultimate rugby league fan and there is a birthday or anniversary upcoming up be sure to take a look at Rugby league on DVD you can visit there website by Clicking Here  Subscription is only £10  for a full lifetimes membership and members receive 33% discount on all orders. There are around 1200 games with lots more added each month and they have ALL the classics so there's no excuse if your looking for a gift for the ultimate fan.

We still have the Bullieve phone cases on sale at Attitude cases so if you want something a little different on your phone head over to Attitude cases, to have a peek we are going to look at some new designs for 2015 so please bear with us you can visit there shop by Clicking Here

                                                  
And last by no means least at all we would like to wish our cross city neighbours Bradford City all the very best of luck this weekend as they head to the Capital to battle with Premier league leaders Chelsea in the FA cup. Its going to be a tough afternoon for you lads but were sure you can do us proud, Good Luck City don't let it get you lads.

Thank you all for taking your time to read BULLieve, feedback from  you all is vital for the success of the blog if you have any suggestions contact us on twitter @BullsBULLieve or on our Facebook Group Bradford Bulls BULLieve.  Thanks for reading.