The weakness of the Bulls side was evident as Rovers made easy yards up the middle, and scoring tries relatively freely but lets not be downhearted, Bradford had there fair say in the game and it could have easily been 18-18 at half time instead of the 30-12 as Macani had a try disallowed just moments before two quick fire KR tries from former Bull James Donaldson and Thomas Minns, effectively it was game over from here on in for the Bulls. Jordan Lilley on loan from Neighbours Leeds Rhinos was instrumental in guiding the team around the park, and some sublime kicking during the afternoon.
The second half could have been damage limitation so to speak, pre game analysis had the Bulls down for at least a 60+ battering with no hopes of scoring a single point. Rovers did almost reach the predicted 60 point margin but the young Bulls had ideas of there own and even finished the afternoon off with an interception from Lilley allowing Macani to round off the scoring. Initially on a month loan from the Rhinos it would certainly be a coup for the club if they could hold onto Lilley for at least 2 more months as he really showed his qualities during the 80 minutes, the defeat was not ideal and its certainly an uphill task but once the side is bolstered in the coming weeks, then the future is bright and mid table Championship seems a possibility for this season.
****News has been announced today that Bulls have signed young Samoan sevens star Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa, he can play at full back or in the halves where he is renowned for his pace and agility, there was a great deal of interest from NRL clubs so this is a huge coup for the club. He has signed on a one year contract with the option to extend for two more.
Odsal 1980.
With all the wrangling and talk about Odsal during the recent Administration process, and recent news that in 2 years time there is a clause which dictates that the venue can begin to be used for other purposes, its not the first time that eviction has loomed over the club.
On august 12th 1980 plans were unveiled by Bradford council to sell off the Odsal stadium site to the West Yorkshire county council, so it could be converted back into a rubbish dump, the plans were to fill in the bowl, then it was to be used a multi sports complex including running tracks etc. It would have taken quite some time as £5 million was required for the project, at this time it would have meant a new home and several grounds were sourced to be of suitability, Lidget Green was one which was the former ground of the Bradford Rugby Union club, or a move back to a renovated Park avenue.
The club were not totally against the idea such that as long as a suitable site was found.
To move back to Park avenue the sum of around £500.000-£750.000 would have been required to put it up to standards, the ground had been pretty much left to rot and left to vandals since Bradford P.A had moved across the city to share at Valley Parade.
A study was set up by Bradford Council to take a look at the cost of turning Park avenue into a sporting location again but what was found was not encouraging. The main stand, along with the buildings that housed the changing rooms were in a serious state of decay. The news was announced just a few weeks before the 100th anniversary of Bradford's first ever game there on September 25th 1880. A few weeks later the demolition men moved in, to begin levelling the ground. This automatically put an end to a move from Odsal, but talks did continue for some time into turning the ground back into a rubbish dump should another home be found for the club.
Children's Fan Club Proposal.
I recently came up with an idea of children's fan club, the age would be from birth up to and including the child's 13th Birthday. But after 13 there membership would cease, now I must stress that at this moment all these are just proposals and ideas, I have e mailed the club an still await a response.
But here are some ideas that being a member a child would benefit.
1. Quarterly newsletter.
2. Membership card.
3. Birthday card signed by the current squad along with a Christmas card.
4. Colouring books.
5. Day at Odsal with the players and Bullman.
6. Every game entry at £1. (home games only) and accompanied by an adult.
7. Exclusive members T-shirt.
8. Design a kit Competitions.
9. Small discount on merchandise and maybe on soft drinks at certain outlets in the ground.
10. Cheerleading events for the girls but boys too if they want a go.
11. Opportunity to win a day training with the bulls squad.
12. Car stickers.
These are only a very few suggestions at present and nothing has been set in motion as much as I would like it to be. I have gauged interest with a superb response from parents.
The fee for being in the club would be around £15 for the annual membership, my theory is that is brings in a steady income to the club but most of all it is creating the next fan for the club and building a sound fan base for the future, we had the tag The peoples team, we must go back to those ethics again and put the families at the forefront of the club once again. Whilst many do take part with BullBuilder in there own systems I would like to create a club that is inclusive for all abilities, and any children who are not as able as others to be involved with the Bulls.
I'm really hoping that once all systems are in place at Odsal that I can take the idea forward with the club. And this can be a reality
Events at Odsal .
I don't think any of us need to be reminded that the Bulls take on Rochdale this Sunday, especially as it is at Home and a chance to really create some noise and atmosphere for the boys.
Don't forget Adult prices start at just £15 for the Terrace and Youth prices from just £5.
On Saturday there is the 2017 season launch and the chance to see the 2017 kit launch in person, which after all that has been going on is certainly eagerly awaited. There will be a chance to meet the players, get autographs, meet Bullman and Bullboy. The shop will also be open to purchase merchandise as well as season tickets.
In the coming few weeks we do have some exciting interviews, and not directly linked to former players either, so keep your eyes open for future editions.
That's all for this edition of the blog, I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading. All views are my own and all research is undertaken by myself and to be as accurate as possible. Please note that the views in the blog are not necessarily the views of Bradford Bulls RLFC.
Written and researched by Thomas Fynn. Join our Facebook group Bradford Bulls BULLieve, or go and give us a follow on Twitter @BullsBULLieve.
Keep the Faith and #BULLieve.
