The Bradford Bulls Rise again.
They say a week is a long time in football, well the same can be certainly be said for Rugby league. Administration to liquidation left everyone thinking what will happen now. Just over a week ago the club we all love didn't even exist, the thought of even seeing a team walk out again to play a competitive game seemed a long way off, day by day we lost another player the squad slowly being ripped to shreds, the remaining players in all the adversity hung around in hope, they trained each day unpaid at the Implexus gym in Bradford, Leon Pryce, Rohan Smith and Chev walker keeping the spirits of the lads up as best as possible. It would have been easy for every one of the remaining players to walk away and get another club, especially with little clarity and information forthcoming.
Omari Caro often sounding his frustrations on twitter along with the club captain Leon Pryce stating "its the not knowing which is the worst bit"
The fans echoed Leon's words it really was the not knowing, I must admit I don't think I have ever refreshed Twitter as much as I did in the past few weeks. When news did come it wasn't what we wanted to hear, first there were 10 bidders wanting the club then 4 then 2 and so the whole saga dragged on, everyone remaining apprehensive of a positive outcome. Many felt that 2017 should be just written off, we hardly had a squad and if we were taken over we would be at least dropped into League 1 for the 2017 season starting a complete fresh.
With the friendly at Batley being called off with the news of not able to field a team, some really feared the worst, there wouldn't be a Bradford team in the Championship to cheer in 2017.
Then in the middle of last week the news that we all had been waiting for finally broke, that the club had been saved, by Andrew Chalmers and Graham Lowe, but the player exodus and the rollercoaster didn't end there with Dane Chisholm and Lachlan Burr confirming that they would not be re joining the squad in the new season, but most of all which came as the biggest shock to many was that the man who had kept a level head, and acted impeccably during the 8 week turmoil was that Rohan Smith would not be retained as Head Coach. Through all the adversity Rohan remained the ultimate professional and had been such a positive figure. Sadly the new set up didn't see Rohan in there plans and with Smith quoting "New owners and I not compatible" left a sour taste in the mouths of the fans, they certainly were not winning any plaudits just yet. Rohan will return to Australia at the end of the month and we all Thank him for his efforts and contribution to the club in the short time at the helm.
With this the rumour mill went into overdrive, former fan favourite Henry Paul was linked the vacant seat almost immediately of Rohan walking out of the door. All turning out to be just that a rumour, along with other names, but the new owners felt they need an established coach and have brought in Geoff Toovey, Geoff came over to England with Manly Sea Eagles in 2012 for the WCC. Geoff is a very experienced coach and former hooker having played in well over 270 matches in Australia and also represented his country 13 times. Toovey is also a chartered accountant.
With the RFL confirming that the club would stay in the Championship for 2017 on -12 points the future looked a bit brighter, the RFL defended the decision to keep a reformed club in the 2nd tier.
So we had hope once more and news emerged from Odsal that Luke Robinsons testimonial would be given the green light. In what shape of a team with so many departing no one knew but at least we had the chance to cheer on the club once more.
Huddersfield Giants Vs Bradford Bulls Luke Robinsons Testimonial 22/1/17
Huddersfield Giants Vs Bradford Bulls Luke Robinsons Testimonial 22/1/17
3pm on Sunday afternoon the 22nd January will go down in the clubs history, that a newly formed Bradford side emerged from the dressing rooms to take part in the planned game against Huddersfield Giants, Luke Robinson had long hoped that Bradford would be able to field a side ever since it was announced that the club had entered administration.
Any fan could be forgiven after seeing the team sheet that keeping the Giants under 50 points would be an achievement, however there was no fear of the new look squad capitulating under the pressure. Club captain Leon Pryce played no part in the game citing a knee injury, but out of the starting 13 there were still 8 players with first team experience.
The Bulls bench was made up of juniors with 5 of the 7 having no first team experience at all. James Mendieka was honoured with the captaincy for the afternoon.
It didn't seem quite right though seeing Alex Mellor and Adam Obrien on the opposing team.
Luke Robinson had hoped to play a part in the afternoons proceedings but was denied at the last minute by insurance complications.
Speaking with Luke during the game, he stated "Rugby league needs a Bradford side its an important part of the game to have a Bradford side in the competition, it would be a poorer place without the club"
It was the new Bulls with a promising start but it was the Giants that struck first through Ikahihifo with Brough converting. Soon after the Bulls had a setback of there own losing Omari Caro who limped off and didn't return during the afternoon.
Liam Kirk could have responded almost immediately but lost the ball as he went over the line. The Bulls were under pressure for long periods of the first half but managed to keep the Giants at bay with some fantastic defending and playing with real grit and determination.
Tempers flared when Roberts committed an off the ball foul, with both sets of players joining together in the field.
Shortly after tempers were high again as Danny Brough grabbed the throat of Bulls Substitute Evan Hodgson, the new Bulls certainly didn't lack spirit and were not taking any backwards steps. Just before halftime Johnny Campbell left the field to injury.
Some slack defending let the Giants in again under the posts, with Ikahihifo going under the posts for his 2nd try of the afternoon and Brough converting, then as the half time hooter sounded they were in again, through Simpson Brough missed the conversion.
16-0 at half time wasn't that bad, as the second half began Scrum Half Joe Keyes dummied his way over the line and converted his own try. It was only a friendly but the cheers from the Bulls faithful lifted the roof on the John Smiths stadium, this is what we had come for, after 8 long weeks of not knowing and speculation we had witnessed our first Try of 2017. On the hour the Bulls fell further behind when failing to deal with a Giants Bomb on the left, Brierly kicked in the absence of Brough to make it 22-6. But the Bulls didn't give up, it would have been easy for the lads heads to drop but instead showed spirit, guts, determination with everyone looking out for each other, Ross Oakes went over in the corner with ten to go, and setting up an exciting climax to the afternoon. Keyes missed the conversion.
With minutes on the clock Roberts went over for his sides 5th try of the afternoon to put the game to bed and Izaac Farrel adding the extras.
Prop Ross Peltier was chosen for the Bulls' man of the match award.
Without surely much preparation for the game, and through all the adversity you really had to hand it, to everyone of the lads that walked on the field. If the effort is put in like that every week and some new faces brought in, the -12 will be nothing but a distant memory.
Omari Caro had his boot removed after the game, we had the pleasure of sharing the lift with him and his ankle was strapped. He certainly didn't feel as though it was anything serious and was waiting to see the Doctor (yesterday).
I would personally like to thank Dave Hicks from Bradford Bulls Supporters group for inviting myself and family to the game, we had a superb afternoon and was a pleasure meeting you all again, and putting some faces to familiar names, especially fellow running buddy Lynn Hill. Nice to meet you at last see you in York on the 10 miler!!
Any fan could be forgiven after seeing the team sheet that keeping the Giants under 50 points would be an achievement, however there was no fear of the new look squad capitulating under the pressure. Club captain Leon Pryce played no part in the game citing a knee injury, but out of the starting 13 there were still 8 players with first team experience.
The Bulls bench was made up of juniors with 5 of the 7 having no first team experience at all. James Mendieka was honoured with the captaincy for the afternoon.
It didn't seem quite right though seeing Alex Mellor and Adam Obrien on the opposing team.
Luke Robinson had hoped to play a part in the afternoons proceedings but was denied at the last minute by insurance complications.
Speaking with Luke during the game, he stated "Rugby league needs a Bradford side its an important part of the game to have a Bradford side in the competition, it would be a poorer place without the club"
It was the new Bulls with a promising start but it was the Giants that struck first through Ikahihifo with Brough converting. Soon after the Bulls had a setback of there own losing Omari Caro who limped off and didn't return during the afternoon.
Liam Kirk could have responded almost immediately but lost the ball as he went over the line. The Bulls were under pressure for long periods of the first half but managed to keep the Giants at bay with some fantastic defending and playing with real grit and determination.
Tempers flared when Roberts committed an off the ball foul, with both sets of players joining together in the field.
Shortly after tempers were high again as Danny Brough grabbed the throat of Bulls Substitute Evan Hodgson, the new Bulls certainly didn't lack spirit and were not taking any backwards steps. Just before halftime Johnny Campbell left the field to injury.
Some slack defending let the Giants in again under the posts, with Ikahihifo going under the posts for his 2nd try of the afternoon and Brough converting, then as the half time hooter sounded they were in again, through Simpson Brough missed the conversion.
16-0 at half time wasn't that bad, as the second half began Scrum Half Joe Keyes dummied his way over the line and converted his own try. It was only a friendly but the cheers from the Bulls faithful lifted the roof on the John Smiths stadium, this is what we had come for, after 8 long weeks of not knowing and speculation we had witnessed our first Try of 2017. On the hour the Bulls fell further behind when failing to deal with a Giants Bomb on the left, Brierly kicked in the absence of Brough to make it 22-6. But the Bulls didn't give up, it would have been easy for the lads heads to drop but instead showed spirit, guts, determination with everyone looking out for each other, Ross Oakes went over in the corner with ten to go, and setting up an exciting climax to the afternoon. Keyes missed the conversion.
With minutes on the clock Roberts went over for his sides 5th try of the afternoon to put the game to bed and Izaac Farrel adding the extras.
Prop Ross Peltier was chosen for the Bulls' man of the match award.
Without surely much preparation for the game, and through all the adversity you really had to hand it, to everyone of the lads that walked on the field. If the effort is put in like that every week and some new faces brought in, the -12 will be nothing but a distant memory.
Omari Caro had his boot removed after the game, we had the pleasure of sharing the lift with him and his ankle was strapped. He certainly didn't feel as though it was anything serious and was waiting to see the Doctor (yesterday).
I would personally like to thank Dave Hicks from Bradford Bulls Supporters group for inviting myself and family to the game, we had a superb afternoon and was a pleasure meeting you all again, and putting some faces to familiar names, especially fellow running buddy Lynn Hill. Nice to meet you at last see you in York on the 10 miler!!
Some pictures from the game.
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| The afternoons team sheet. |
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| Keeping the Giants at bay. |
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| Keeping the pressure on. |
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| Strong tackling from the young Bulls. |
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| Moving forward. |
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| A guard of honour for Luke Robinson. |
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| Battling Bulls. |
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| Players combine for the Testimonial. |
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| A drive from the Bulls into Giants territory. |
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| No backward steps taken. |
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| Keeping up the pressure on the line. |
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| So near yet so far! |
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| Pass from dummy half |
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| Bulls driving forward. |
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| Celebrating the TRY! |
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| Its Through the posts!! |
Our fundraising shirt.
In conjunction with Bradford Bulls Supporters Group, BULLieve has joined forces in creating a retro shirt to raise funds for the players, now this was decided before we had new owners, so with what ever profit we make from the shirts the players will decide where the monies will go.
The shirts are made by Steeden, all sizes are very familiar to your current Bulls shirts, they are priced at £40 with £21 going to the players, (read last paragraph). *** There is a £3:00 charge for P&P*** so don't forget to add it onto your order we will contact you for addresses once we have the shirts.
You can place your orders through us or Bradford Bulls Supporters group, to pay for the shirt the details are as follows.
Please let myself Thomas Fynn from BULLieve, or Adrian Gill from BFD Bulls supporters know what size you would like, payment details are.
Please Transfer too
Halifax account details: Sort code 110150 Account Number 10024363. PayPal too bfdbsg@gmail.com PLEASE STATE 'FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY'
All payments are in advance and the shirts will be available in about 4/5 weeks after placing the order. The cut off is this Friday 27th January. We thank you in advance and on behalf of Dave and Adrian of the supporters group.
Its BULLieve Quiz time.
I did try to do a quiz over Christmas, but I honestly don't think many of you were that interested with everything else that was going on at that time.
So here it is again and I will post the answers on our Facebook group page, and in our next blog of which I very much hope to have spoken with Rohan Smith and another former Bull by then. Enjoy and good luck, NO Google please have a chat with your friends and look out for the answers. Thank you.
1. Which team did Sir Trevor Foster score his first "Hat Trick" against
2. Which season did Bradford Northern first ever appear on live TV. Bonus for team and score.
3. Henry Paul, Tommy Harris, Brian Lockwood, and Andy Gregory have all won what.
4. What was the final Score in the play off eliminator against Saints in 2003
5. Who was the leading Try scorer in the Inaugural Super league season.
6. Which season did Brett Ferres Debut for Bulls.
7. Name 6 Northern players that toured Australia and NZ in 1946 in the lions tour after WW2
8. How much were Northern fined after the walk off at Hull KR in 1982. there were other implications too name if you can.
9. Vanikolo scored 6 tries against Hull, name the first Bradford player to score 6
10. Name the Northern player to break Billy Boston's 50 tries in one season.
11. Tying in with the above, which other Northern player had scored 50 or more tries previous to the record.
12. How many seasons did Nathan Graham spend with the club.
13. Sir Trevor Foster appeared 432 times for Bradford, How many goals did he score.
14. Bradford lost to Leigh in 1987 in unusual circumstances, Why.
15. Which club did Daniel Gartner sign from.
16. How old was Keith Mumby on his Debut.
17. When Huddersfield Giants joined SL which team did they replace and in the same season which team replaced relegated Oldham bears,
18. Who was the man of steel in the inaugural SL season.
19. Who was the guest of honour introduced to the Bulls Squad with Sir Trevor Foster at the 2003 grand final.
20. Which year did Paul Newlove transfer to St Helens, also name the 2 players Bradford received as part of the deal.
That's the end of this edition of our blog, really do hope you have enjoyed reading as I do writing it.
There are no illusions that this season is going to be easy, its going to be a tough hard year for everyone involved, but if we turn up shout loud and proud then we have made ourselves heard and support the lads on the pitch, for this edition I leave you with this, #Keepthefaith #BULLieve#redamberandblack#Allforthebulls.
This edition was written and researched by Thomas Fynn, All images from the Hudds/Bulls game are owned by Thomas Fynn please ask for permission if you wish to share, copy or use on any other site.
We thank you for your continued support.
Its BULLieve Quiz time.
I did try to do a quiz over Christmas, but I honestly don't think many of you were that interested with everything else that was going on at that time.
So here it is again and I will post the answers on our Facebook group page, and in our next blog of which I very much hope to have spoken with Rohan Smith and another former Bull by then. Enjoy and good luck, NO Google please have a chat with your friends and look out for the answers. Thank you.
1. Which team did Sir Trevor Foster score his first "Hat Trick" against
2. Which season did Bradford Northern first ever appear on live TV. Bonus for team and score.
3. Henry Paul, Tommy Harris, Brian Lockwood, and Andy Gregory have all won what.
4. What was the final Score in the play off eliminator against Saints in 2003
5. Who was the leading Try scorer in the Inaugural Super league season.
6. Which season did Brett Ferres Debut for Bulls.
7. Name 6 Northern players that toured Australia and NZ in 1946 in the lions tour after WW2
8. How much were Northern fined after the walk off at Hull KR in 1982. there were other implications too name if you can.
9. Vanikolo scored 6 tries against Hull, name the first Bradford player to score 6
10. Name the Northern player to break Billy Boston's 50 tries in one season.
11. Tying in with the above, which other Northern player had scored 50 or more tries previous to the record.
12. How many seasons did Nathan Graham spend with the club.
13. Sir Trevor Foster appeared 432 times for Bradford, How many goals did he score.
14. Bradford lost to Leigh in 1987 in unusual circumstances, Why.
15. Which club did Daniel Gartner sign from.
16. How old was Keith Mumby on his Debut.
17. When Huddersfield Giants joined SL which team did they replace and in the same season which team replaced relegated Oldham bears,
18. Who was the man of steel in the inaugural SL season.
19. Who was the guest of honour introduced to the Bulls Squad with Sir Trevor Foster at the 2003 grand final.
20. Which year did Paul Newlove transfer to St Helens, also name the 2 players Bradford received as part of the deal.
That's the end of this edition of our blog, really do hope you have enjoyed reading as I do writing it.
There are no illusions that this season is going to be easy, its going to be a tough hard year for everyone involved, but if we turn up shout loud and proud then we have made ourselves heard and support the lads on the pitch, for this edition I leave you with this, #Keepthefaith #BULLieve#redamberandblack#Allforthebulls.
This edition was written and researched by Thomas Fynn, All images from the Hudds/Bulls game are owned by Thomas Fynn please ask for permission if you wish to share, copy or use on any other site.
We thank you for your continued support.
