Welcome to BULLieve written for the fans, by the fans.
In this weeks edition we have,
The weeks recap
Bulls news
Ex Northern player "Big" Jim Mills interview
Insight into RL4ALEX
Tweets
Special mentions.
This weeks recap
Seriously what can we say? The win over Wigan was brilliant but, to beat Leeds on their own turf was emphatic! We maybe a part of the championship from next season but the bragging rights are ours. We headed over to Leeds with the pride, determination and fighting spirit we knew we could use against our arch rivals to get the win we needed. We used every ounce of each to over power the team everyone wants to beat but this was extra special as the Leeds fans thought it would be a walk in the park and come up with a cricket score yet, wasn't they to be eating their own words?. We cannot single out a man of the match as, the whole squad pulled together to get the all important (dubbed to some) grand final win. You can see highlights by clicking the link Rhinos 14 Bulls 20
One stand out player who made a crucial chase and try saving tackle was the young, impressive Elliot Kear. The youngster was all over the field tackling and throwing passes and generally being in the right place at the right time. We hope he will be given a new contract but let's wait and see.
The whole squad was rewarded after the game with a pint in the chapel house pub in which was very much deserved! Now the lads have a few days off training as its Challenge cup weekend but all have said they want to end the season on a high.
Bulls News
Over the past week it has been a very busy one in terms of sorting out the club and importantly the team for the forth coming season.
Last Wednesday our owner Marc Green held a public meeting in the Cedar court hotel which was filled to the brim with some supporters unable to get inside watch the evenings proceedings on screens outside which, shows how popular our club is and how much of a strong fan base we still have despite recent events.
The event called " An Evening With The Bulls" was a complete success with, the announcement that Tom Olbison and Adam Sidlow had re signed contracts to keep them with us and, the re launch of the bulls lottery " The Big One". To join the big one please call 08448 711 490.
Charlie Ebbage was inducted as a ' life member ' of the Bulls and then new signings Jake Mullaney and Dan Fleming were formally unveiled to the 1,000 strong crowd. The Bulls have also launched their new hashtag on Twitter which is now #BullsForever and you can follow the official account by searching for @OfficialBullsRL
Another positive move by James Lowes was the signing of Dave Petersen. Dave, once a Hull Kr player joins us from Australia currently playing for the intrust super cup outfit, Mackay Cutters and will join us in October. Petersen has grown as a player playing for the Cutters and could not turn down the offer of a UK return and to play for the Bulls saying:
“The idea of playing under James Lowes was what swayed my decision to sign for the Bulls, knowing someone who cares so much about the club is in charge.
I have really progressed as a player during my time with the Cutters and have lived a great lifestyle in Australia, but feel ready to return to the UK and kick on.
This is a big chance for me and I want to make an impact. Bradford is a great club, with fantastic supporters and firm foundations in place, and I hope to help the Bulls get back to where they belong.
I am extremely enthusiastic and am committed to working very hard. That is the kind of game I will be bringing to the Bulls.
I saw signing for Mackay, rather than staying with the Rovers, as a chance to better my life and career and I believe I have done that. Now I am looking forward to my future with Bradford.”
you can follow Dave by searching @Petersen92 on Twitter.
Yesterday was revealed that super star Brett Kearney will be returning home at the end of the season. The decision was not taken lightly but Kearney said that family has to come first and we all respect that. Kearney has been a fantastic player for us since joining back in 2010. He has stuck by us during the hard times where, he could of easily have walked away from the club when we faced extinction. BRETT WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS! Have a great future and please keep in touch.
Yesterday it was announced that former Bull, Karl Pratt has been appointed the "big One" lottery manager.Pratt is to head up a four-strong team under the tutelage of 'legendary lottery guru' Alf Davies, which includes administration manager Jeanette Stow, collections executive Denise Krelle and sales executive Graham Murphy.
And, just this evening our newest signing was announced LIVE on air on the Robbie-Hunter-Paul show on the Pulse 1. Our newest signing is Etu Uaisele, welcome to the club to you and your wonderful family will be welcomed with open arms by the best fans in rugby league!
Jim Mills Interview
We decided this week to have a chat with a true legend of Rugby League and most of all a great guy, no other than BIG Jim Mills. Former Widnes, Halifax. Salford, Bradford, Workington and North Sydney Forward who was actually sent off more than 20 times in his career. If you think Gareth Hock was a bad boy this fella could run rings around the guys of super league. Jim was a huge fast and very intelligent forward who would always drive it in and never take a backward step. As time has moved on the Big Fella has certainly mellowed but has some very special memories of playing with Bradford Northern. When asked about Super League today has nothing but admiration and especially for the Bulls who he still looks for there scores today.
What was your inspiration to play rugby?
"I was brought up in wales and played football at school I was a goalkeeper and Sid Judd approached me one day to say I was too big for football and I should try playing rugby so I left school and went to Cardiff union"
What were your memories of Trevor Foster?
"We were very good friends indeed, sadly I never had the chance to play alongside him but he was a great guy who had saved the club from oblivion already. Trevor was a staunch catholic and he would walk everywhere or catch a bus you could never give him a lift. The irony of it all was that Trevor died the same day as the pope sadly I was away on a cruise at the time but when I got home I read the T&A on the front there was the was the passing of the pope then turn it over to sport and Trevor had passed away too something you couldn't really make up very sad indeed he really was a great guy"
GB or England?
" GB all the way I have no disrespect to the England team at all but it felt as though it really meant something especially with the history of tours gone by it should be reverted back to GB"
Would you have rather played the game now or in your time?
"Certainly in my time as the players were far more skill full so definitely back then the players today are incredibly fit and trained very well but I also had a great coach Vince Karaelaus he was a great bloke. I remember in 74 we took on the Oz yes they were bloody quick but we had power and skill to match so yes I had a great time"
Bit of a reputation for being sent off....
"Ah yes but I was a hard running forward I think the worst thing I ever did was stomp on a NZ player that was probably the worst"
What is your opinion of the referees in Super League at the moment.
"Its a game that has become so fast its 100Mph and they are doing the best they possibly can there is only one thing I would like to see back and that's a scrum you compete for not all this, the ball is yours where you really have to drive in and compete. to some degree the game has got too fast as you see scores of 64-12 for arguments sake and even the players cant keep up but that's where the game has gone and have to accept that"
Would you say players are better advised these days?
"Without a doubt as all players have agents etc advising best options after all back in my day I was a drayman in Halifax where these players today are doing it day in day out but I must say it was a great way too keep fit"
Do you still look for bulls scores?
"Yes I do and I still have a very soft spot for them too its a shame we could not have kept the team together Frank foster, Geoff Clarkson, Neil Fox, Frank Whitcombe this squad would have won everything but they moved on mainly for the cash quite sad really. But yes I still look for the scores"
In your opinion what do you think the downfall of the bulls was?
"it has to be the whole Harris situation that was the turning point without going into detail that's what brought the Bulls to its knees."
Finally Jim any words to any aspiring players out there?
"Yes train hard and keep fit and always be the best you can possibly be".
Many thanks to Jim Mills For his time to speak to us we wish you all the best.
We decided this week to have a chat with a true legend of Rugby League and most of all a great guy, no other than BIG Jim Mills. Former Widnes, Halifax. Salford, Bradford, Workington and North Sydney Forward who was actually sent off more than 20 times in his career. If you think Gareth Hock was a bad boy this fella could run rings around the guys of super league. Jim was a huge fast and very intelligent forward who would always drive it in and never take a backward step. As time has moved on the Big Fella has certainly mellowed but has some very special memories of playing with Bradford Northern. When asked about Super League today has nothing but admiration and especially for the Bulls who he still looks for there scores today.
What was your inspiration to play rugby?
"I was brought up in wales and played football at school I was a goalkeeper and Sid Judd approached me one day to say I was too big for football and I should try playing rugby so I left school and went to Cardiff union"
What were your memories of Trevor Foster?
"We were very good friends indeed, sadly I never had the chance to play alongside him but he was a great guy who had saved the club from oblivion already. Trevor was a staunch catholic and he would walk everywhere or catch a bus you could never give him a lift. The irony of it all was that Trevor died the same day as the pope sadly I was away on a cruise at the time but when I got home I read the T&A on the front there was the was the passing of the pope then turn it over to sport and Trevor had passed away too something you couldn't really make up very sad indeed he really was a great guy"
GB or England?
" GB all the way I have no disrespect to the England team at all but it felt as though it really meant something especially with the history of tours gone by it should be reverted back to GB"
Would you have rather played the game now or in your time?
"Certainly in my time as the players were far more skill full so definitely back then the players today are incredibly fit and trained very well but I also had a great coach Vince Karaelaus he was a great bloke. I remember in 74 we took on the Oz yes they were bloody quick but we had power and skill to match so yes I had a great time"
Bit of a reputation for being sent off....
"Ah yes but I was a hard running forward I think the worst thing I ever did was stomp on a NZ player that was probably the worst"
What is your opinion of the referees in Super League at the moment.
"Its a game that has become so fast its 100Mph and they are doing the best they possibly can there is only one thing I would like to see back and that's a scrum you compete for not all this, the ball is yours where you really have to drive in and compete. to some degree the game has got too fast as you see scores of 64-12 for arguments sake and even the players cant keep up but that's where the game has gone and have to accept that"
Would you say players are better advised these days?
"Without a doubt as all players have agents etc advising best options after all back in my day I was a drayman in Halifax where these players today are doing it day in day out but I must say it was a great way too keep fit"
Do you still look for bulls scores?
"Yes I do and I still have a very soft spot for them too its a shame we could not have kept the team together Frank foster, Geoff Clarkson, Neil Fox, Frank Whitcombe this squad would have won everything but they moved on mainly for the cash quite sad really. But yes I still look for the scores"
In your opinion what do you think the downfall of the bulls was?
"it has to be the whole Harris situation that was the turning point without going into detail that's what brought the Bulls to its knees."
Finally Jim any words to any aspiring players out there?
"Yes train hard and keep fit and always be the best you can possibly be".
Many thanks to Jim Mills For his time to speak to us we wish you all the best.
Insight into RL4ALEX
This week I have had the pleasure of speaking to a brilliant guy, Stuart Whiteley, chairperson of RL4ALEX. This is a charity that we support and we hope that you will support too. We have our own Bulls advocates of the charity too!
Here pictured is Chev Walker, Nathan Conroy and Adam O'Brien doing the famous "A sign"
Also representing the Bulls is Adam O'Brien and Danny Addy. Live on SKY doing the "A SIGN" after scoring a try.
BullBoy and Alex at a fundraising event in the Kirkgate centre Bradford
So, onto the interview:
Can you give us a brief background on what the charity is and what it entails?
RL4ALEX is a not for profit charity that supports and develops the inclusion of intellectually disable and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) children within mainstream sports, Primarily Rugby League.
This is achieved through #InclusiveRL which is the provision of player mentoring, coaching support, club education and awareness to develop a inclusive environment within existing Rugby League clubs.
RL4ALEX is a not for profit charity that supports and develops the inclusion of intellectually disable and ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) children within mainstream sports, Primarily Rugby League.
This is achieved through #InclusiveRL which is the provision of player mentoring, coaching support, club education and awareness to develop a inclusive environment within existing Rugby League clubs.
Who is Alex? ( for those who don't know)
Alex is my Son and my own as well as the charity's inspiration.
Alex is my Son and my own as well as the charity's inspiration.
Why did you set the charity up?
Through Alex's own desire to participate within Rugby League it became apparent that there was a gap within the game around supporting children with difficulties like his. After a lot of searching and asking questions with little or no answers coming back regarding what support or guidance was available to help him to be part of the game, It required something to be created to provide that support and go to place for clubs and coaches so children like Alex can be supported and included within existing set ups without being excluded or treated differently.
Who is eligible to take part?
Any child from age 6 to 16 described as been on the Autistic Spectrum of Disorders or Intellectually Disabled
Any child from age 6 to 16 described as been on the Autistic Spectrum of Disorders or Intellectually Disabled
Advocates what and who are they?
Our Advocates are collectively known as 'Alex's Army'. They are a group of professional rugby league players from the Super League, Championship and Championship 1 who support our cause and inclusive mission, Showing their support with the #ASign hand symbol, Especially when scoring a try!
Our Advocates are collectively known as 'Alex's Army'. They are a group of professional rugby league players from the Super League, Championship and Championship 1 who support our cause and inclusive mission, Showing their support with the #ASign hand symbol, Especially when scoring a try!
Can people become involved?
Of course, We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, whatever your skill set or level of experience, No experience is necessary as training will be given all we ask is that you are enthusiastic and passionate about making a difference. If you are interested in volunteering then please contact us at stuart@rl4alex.org.uk
Of course, We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, whatever your skill set or level of experience, No experience is necessary as training will be given all we ask is that you are enthusiastic and passionate about making a difference. If you are interested in volunteering then please contact us at stuart@rl4alex.org.uk
What events do you do?
We encourage fundraisers and events from clubs and local companies to help support our cause and raise awareness, we support these events and attend along with members from our 'Alex's Army' and mascots and members of local clubs helping raise the profile of both the event, our charity and the organisation/club supporting us.
Our next event in our honor is the Leeds Masters Rugby League Festival. 16/8/14 at Farnley Falcons ARLFC, Leeds. KO 1pm. We would like to thank Kath Wilson, Ian Worthington and the Leeds Masters for organising the event and adopting us as their worthy cause.
We encourage fundraisers and events from clubs and local companies to help support our cause and raise awareness, we support these events and attend along with members from our 'Alex's Army' and mascots and members of local clubs helping raise the profile of both the event, our charity and the organisation/club supporting us.
Our next event in our honor is the Leeds Masters Rugby League Festival. 16/8/14 at Farnley Falcons ARLFC, Leeds. KO 1pm. We would like to thank Kath Wilson, Ian Worthington and the Leeds Masters for organising the event and adopting us as their worthy cause.
What merchandise do you have to offer?
We currently have a full range of apparel and head guards from our offical partner Impact Rugby which can be purchased direct from their website www.impactrugby.co.uk and search for RL4ALEX with other merchandise currently being developed.
We currently have a full range of apparel and head guards from our offical partner Impact Rugby which can be purchased direct from their website www.impactrugby.co.uk and search for RL4ALEX with other merchandise currently being developed.
How can I help spread the word?
Follow us on social media our twitter is @RL4ALEX
You can also find us on Facebook by searching RL4alex,
Mention our cause at your local amateur and professional club or supporters group
Show your #ASign at a game or wherever you are and send to us via social media
Follow us on social media our twitter is @RL4ALEX
You can also find us on Facebook by searching RL4alex,
Mention our cause at your local amateur and professional club or supporters group
Show your #ASign at a game or wherever you are and send to us via social media
Can we have some links for twitter etc please?
@RL4ALEX using hashtags #InclusiveRL #TogetherAsOne #AlexsArmy #ASign
@StuWhiteley
@RL4ALEX using hashtags #InclusiveRL #TogetherAsOne #AlexsArmy #ASign
@StuWhiteley
Thank you Stuart for your time and, we hope that you will have more followers and support in the future! Keep up the superb work you, Alex and the charity as a whole does.
Tweets
We asked for some feedback from our last blog and we had a few tweets sent to us by:
@Linz67Yates - As always, very professional and well written!!
@SLTRANSFERNEWS - very good for fans to get there opinion in and speak about what they want! Something that should be introduced to other clubs.
A very well known writer in the rugby league world, Phil Caplan ( Co-director of indies Scratching Shed Publishing & Forty-20 magazine ) @scratchingshed2 said this about our blog - Great electronic fanzine, like the mix of current and nostalgia together with the links.
@garethdawson wrote - it's an excellent blog written honestly and from the heart.
Tweet of the week goes to @RLBP_ once again as we were sent this after the final whistle on Friday night when we beat the Rhinos. You may have seen this on various social media and forum sites.
Remember, if you would like to have your tweet on our blog then please don't hesitate to tweet us at @BULLieve2013 and then look out for the blog next week to see if you made it.
Special Mentions
This week we appealing to all fans on behalf of Hayden Harrison. Hayden is a player of the Dudley Hill under 14's and is trying to raise money for Macmillan cancer support.
Hayden lost his grandad at the tender age of just 53 to brain cancer and his grandmother was aided by the support of Macmillan to help care for his grandad in his battle. Now Hayden would like to raise £500 for Macmillan to give a little back and help other families who are either going through loosing a loved one or who has already lost someone.
Hayden and his team mates will be shaving their heads on 24th August 2014.
You can help by donating and helping Hayden reach his target or even beating it by clicking this link Donate for Hayden
We would appreciate if you would donate what you can and thank you in advance.
In other Charity news, our very own Adrian Purtell has been doing his bit too.
Adrian, who is an ambassador for Heart Research UK took up a challenge against 6 year old Amber Buckle. Amber is the charities youngest fundraiser and had a race with Adrian in which, she won raising £214. Well done to both Adrian and Amber for raising much needed funds for such a fantastic charity!
Here at BULLieve we would like to wish Amanda Nurse a very happy wedding anniversary and her husband Richard would like to say " Thank you for 17 years of marriage" Happy wedding anniversary guys!
Also Richard says " I'm looking forward to running with the Bulls next year and surely things can only get better". We couldn't agree more Richard!
We have also received a special mention from a life long Bulls supporter Rose Crowther. Rose would like to wish her little brother, a very proud Hull KR supporter John Hogan Shaw, a very happy birthday for tomorrow 7th August. Happy birthday John have a great day from us here at BULLieve
Pictured is Rose and John
We would like to thank Ryan Sparks, media executive at the Bulls for permission to use the Bulls images in the blog. Thank you Ryan we appreciate your help!
Last but by means no least, we would like to thank YOU! Thank you for reading our blog and hope that you will help us to spread our blog by sharing the link on your profiles either by link, ReTweet or simply asking people to have a look. We are now over 900 followers and counting, thank you! All feedback is VERY much welcomed and hope we can use your feedback to create an even better blog for you to read.
until next time, have a great weekend and, don't stop BULLieving!
Written by
Jay Leeming and Tom Fynn
Written by
Jay Leeming and Tom Fynn
