Welcome to this edition of BULLieve. In this edition we bring you,
Season Recap of 2014,
Let there be light
An interview with former Bradford Bull & current Dewsbury Coach Glenn Morrison,
Events taking place at Odsal up to Christmas,
Mentions.
Season Recap of 2014.
Was 2014 a year to remember or a year to forget? In some ways both we suppose but despite losing our Super League status for the first time, all we can hear coming out of Odsal is positive, vibrant news. Season tickets are selling well and look on course to hit the 2,000 mark before the end of the year. We have decided to have a brief look back at 2014 and yes we are very sorry we do have to mention the defeat at Wigan.
Pre season wasn't the best of starts despite beating Hull Fc 30~18 in our first outing but that's about as good as it got, a youthful Bulls side travelled a little up the road to Dewsbury only to be beaten 38~4 with James Saltonsall scoring the Bulls only try. Finally Castleford Tigers visited Odsal and little did many know then that they really were the surprise package of 2014. Bradford were taken apart 66~10. At this point rumours began to spread that the uncertainty of Bradford's future was looking unstable, surely not again. Fans favourite Jarrod Sammut departed as did Gareth Carvell before the first fixture and the fans started to worry that could administration loom once more.
So the season began with a loss to Castleford Tigers but soon hope returned and Bradford recorded back to back victories against Wakefield and London respectively but that was just about as good as it got and to add to our fears already, administration was confirmed with a 6 point deduction. Nick Scruton was sold to Wakefield Wildcats on a 1 year deal but at least the Bulls reduced the points deficit to -2 with a victory over also struggling London Broncos.
Ourselves at BULLieve also decided on something a little different and entered the world of media, Tom gained access to the press areas at the KC stadium and KC lightstream stadium gaining a real insight into the press world and some valuable experience.
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Hope was once again restored against Wakefield Wildcats and with a faltering Salford following the
next week hopes were high, sadly the result did not become of what was expected and ultimately resulting in Francis Cummins and Marcus St Hilaire losing there positions, it could be said it was harsh on Francis who had worked for nothing under the previous administration with Mick Potter and under difficult circumstances again with limited finance, and only being able to bring in loan players for a large amount of time however the feeling was a change was needed.
The Bulls were now on the hunt for a new coach with many names being mentioned, but it was
Matt Diskin who then took temporary charge of the squad against a visiting Hull Kr who had Nilled the Bulls in the previous fixture, and it didn't get much better either with a further loss 44~18 and in front of the sky cameras too. With so many names being thrown into the Coaching hat it emerged that former Bull, Jimmy Lowes was returning to Odsal to take charge. At this point Jimmy was determined for the Bulls to stay in SL, and the legal team were still battling the 6 point deduction everything seemed to be positive again despite our precarious position.
Despite Jimmy's return results still didn't go the way he wanted in the first few rounds and then it was confirmed with defeat to Huddersfield Giants and the board deciding not pursue there 6 point deduction that relegation was confirmed, and for the first time in 41 years Bradford would be plying there trade in the 2nd tier of English rugby league. Despite the losses it was clear to see that hard work off the field in training was paying off, then amazingly when all the Bulls supporters fear the worse Wigan become Jimmy's first scalp, Leeds and Hull followed and at last there was a little something to cheer. Bradford lost the further 2 games but finished on a high with beating our fellow relegated team London Broncos.
With pre season training well under way we are sure Jimmy will have the Bulls fired up and ready for our opening fixture against Leigh Centurions on Sunday 15th February. Before of which the Bulls are to face Castleford Tigers for Andy Lynch's testimonial, 11th January (k.o 2:30) at Wheldon road. Huddersfield Giants visit Odsal on the 18th January also on January 25th Bradford square up against
our bitter rivals Leeds Rhinos in Jamie peacock's testimonial tickets can be purchased for all the
above by ringing 08448 711 940. Or by Clicking Here
Let there be light.
Floodlights these days are taken for granted, we don't think twice when we go off to watch matches held on evening there lit most times by the time the light begins to dim, but did you know that Bradford Northern were the first club from either Association Football or Rugby league/union to have floodlights in use outside of London, a few grounds had some sort of lighting system in the London area and were used for various sporting events. But it was Bradford Northern to install them and use them for a full Rugby league match on October 31st 1951. In all honesty the system used was very primitive compared to todays pylons that stand high in all 4 corners, it was just a set of high powered lamps fixed along the front edge of the stand which then stood at Odsal, there were also a series of wooden poles which were placed at regular intervals around the pitch which carried a single floodlight.
On the night a crowd of around 29,000 gathered into a somewhat gloomy and dark Odsal stadium, as kick off approached there were no signs of the lights, many of the crowd thought that the game would be abandoned. Unknown to the crowd the Northern and New Zealand players had already taken to the pitch in the darkness and taken up there positions on the field in anticipation of the game to begin. At
the given time a command was made and all the lights were turned on, to reveal the players who were cheered and clapped as the Odsal pitch was covered in artificial light for the very first time. The match was a huge success and certainly became the talking point of a spectacle the crowd had witnessed. The fact that Northern had also won 13~8 added to the hugely successful event and didn't go unnoticed either.
It should also be mentioned that in the following year Odsal held a Floodlit Cricket match on 17th September 1952, the matted wicket was laid along the playing area so each wicket was parallel to the posts. Around 3,000 turned up to watch the match on a very cold night, the organisers had hoped for more but possibly cricket on a rugby pitch put off the connoisseur of cricket or maybe just the thought of the inclimate weather we all love about Odsal.
Interview with Former Bull and Current Dewbury Rams Head Coach Glenn Morrison.
Hi Glenn thanks for agreeing to the interview I've got some history here for yourself ,you played for Paramatta eels, Balmain Tigers, North Queensland, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield trinity wildcats before being forced to retire in 2011 due to a shoulder injury, despite this Glenn, you stayed on at Wakefield as assistant coach. In 2001 you were named the cowboys player of the year. It was in January 2007 you were appointed Bradford Bulls vice captain by then coach Steve McNamara. It was the same year where you were included In the Super League dream team, you also had a sweep of awards as the T&A player of the year, Players' player of the year and Supporters player of the year titles in 2007. You spent 3 seasons with the Bulls before moving onto Wakefield for the 2010 campaign. you had a very successful first year and signed for a further year. You also received the Wakefield Wildcats Man of Steel awards both seasons you played there. You also played in the first Exiles v England game, also just missing out on the Man of the Match award, You went on to be assistant coach for the same tournament the year you were forced to retire.
So Glenn here are a few questions for you,
Q. You have had a varied career playing in both NRL & Super league and now in a coaching capacity at Dewsbury Rams, throughout your playing career you must have experienced many Highs and lows, what was and remains your most memorable occasion? And also what was your lowest point.
A .I think with every player their highest point is making there 1st team debut, mine is the same. I will never forget it, I was 18 playing at the S.F.S against Sydney Roosters and had to mark Brad Fittler.
My lowest point was getting the injury that made me retire before I was ready to. I would have loved to go out on my own terms.
Q .In your early playing days who were your idols and who did you look up to for inspiration and what motivated you to become a successful Rugby league player.
A .My idol was Wayne Pearce, I was a Balmain Tiger fan, my dad played there, I just loved his desire and work rate and tried to model my game around that. I was lucky to have him as my first team coach at the tigers.
Q. We all know that you have to stick to a strict diet and training regime as a player what was yours and did you stick to it.
A. My diet and fitness have always been good. I was never an Andrew Johns type player. I had to make sure I was the fittest in the team so I could do as much work on the park as possible as that's what my job was. On my days off I would do extra training and ate perfect so I could do my job for the team.
Q. If you had never made it as a professional RL player what else would you have done.
A. I studied and was a police officer for 18months before I turned professional with Rugby league. I have also got diplomas in private investigation, corporate risk management and Government fraud, so possibly one of those areas.
Q. We all know how hard you train and work to be match fit, but in your opinion who has been your toughest opponent you came across while playing RL.
A. Playing for 16 years I have played with and against some very tough players. Gordon Talis, Cement Gillespy, Adrian Morley and that's to name just a few.
Q. From playing in the NRL then coming to Super league did you feel there was a gap between the 2 competitions, I mean as in intensity of the game the general speed of the game and strategies used.
A. When I came to the Super league I found it to be much more of an attacking orientated style of game. You could win a game 50-40 and everyone was happy. In Australia I lost a Grand final eliminator 6-4 and it was 3 goals to 2, no tries Australia was more defence orientated and physical.
Q. As fans we know the disappointment of losing and trudging away from a match depressed to high heaven and then of course every fan becomes a coach and know exactly what to do but joking aside, how does it effect the players and yourself as an individual. Also now in a coaching capacity how do you feel after a result doesn't go your way.
A. As a player I went into every game to win and I am just the same as a coach. We played Wigan Warriors in Challenge cup last season and even at half time we believed we could do it. Unfortunately being part timers against full time players they got us in the last 20 min. Everyone who plays or coaches want to win, not just make up numbers and when you lose it hurts a lot. As a coach I work harder and look for that extra edge for the team the next week so it doesn't happen again.
Q. Is there anyone from your playing days that you still keep in contact with, also if you had not been successful in Rugby league what other plans or job would have taken on.
A. The best part of Rugby League, or any team sport is that you make friends for life. You take that field ready for battle and know your mates have got your back. Once you have that you have friends for life. I keep in contact with as many past team mates as I can.
Q. What's your relationship like with Roger Ram he seems to be quite a determined fella, and very passionate about his team.
A. Roger Ram is outstanding for our club. There is nothing he wont do to help out. A real character.
Q. As we all know this is Bulls first stint outside of Super league, how do you feel they will fare in the championship, obviously you have your aspirations for Dewsbury in promotion but who do see being promoted to Super league this season and can Bradford become the dominant force they were in the early SL era.
A. I really hope the Bulls bounce back into Super league straight away as that's where the club belongs. I love the club, I moved my family half way around the world to play for them. I believe once they do get back into SL they have the right people in the right places now to make sure they grow consistently back to a major force on and off the pitch. Will they get straight back up next season? Well its going to be harder than everyone thinks as there will be 4 or 5 other Championships wanting the same result, and 4 super league teams fighting to stay up. It will be an exciting year and i'm sure the Bulls will be doing all they can to get the result they want.
Q. With the 4 nations having just taken place and once again England not quite getting the results do you feel there is still a gap in the international game.
A. I feel that England were unlucky in both of there games not to have won and made the final. I feel there is a bigger pool of players from Australia to New Zealand to pick from. When you think Australia had 11 players who weren't playing and they still put a squad together they did it shows the amount of depth. The structures and pathways in NRL are stronger right down to under 15's and amateur level. I think the new system next season will help with depth and quality of players in the game and i'm really looking forward to it.
Q. What would be your advice to any youngster wanting to make it big in the game.
A. Basically train hard and have fun at the same time.
Q. Finally Glenn, we must mention your lovely wife Robyn who people often say is the real Miss Congeniality, how do you both inspire each other to get the best results, and to stay motivated.
A. Robyn has been a real rock for me. She sacrificed a lot moving around different states in Australia and then to England. She can never sit still and she was the one who pushed me to study while I played to have something to fall back on.. She has started and built the biggest cheerschool in Yorkshire winning numerous national titles, she has also won Mrs Universe UK, Mrs World UK and Mrs World Fitness International. Meaning she has had to travel to numerous countries over the last few years but i'm right behind her. Its now my time to support her and give her every chance for success as she did with me in my career.
Thank you very much for your time Glenn, its been fantastic talking with you and we do appreciate how busy you are its been a great insight. All the best for the new season and our very best wishes to your wife Robyn too, Thank you.
Events taking place at Odsal up to Christmas.
Please don't forget the Christmas Carol service which takes place on 10th December at The Provident stadium, This years event is all based around the 1st world war to mark the Centenary of the truce that took place on the battlefields. There will be a re enactment of the Christmas story by local school children . Festive Food and drink will be available for those in attendance from the Christmas market stall. Tickets are priced at just £2.50.
Are you still searching for that gift for the Bulls fanatic in your life, well please take a look at the fabulous range now in stock at The Provident Stadium there is plenty to choose from T shirt, bags, mugs, hats and hoodies all very reasonably priced too, go on treat them. You can purchase these items by Clicking Here
Also in the news this week was Fans Favourite Shaun Ainscough, who spoke with the Bradford Telegraph and Argus about his regrets of not taking the offer of a new contract when offered to him. BULLieve managed to catch up with him and have a few words to see if he was hoping that the Bulls may come looking.
Q. Hi Shaun, we have seen your recent interview and just a couple of questions for you really, are you hoping that after your recent interview in the press that the Bulls may spark an interest in your services once more .
A. NO! I very much doubt they will be come again asking for my services the coach in charge now, knows what he wants for the future.
Q. You mention your fitness in the interview how bad was that when you were not playing full time and not on a regular training routine and how are things now with your fitness.
A. Yes I went really unfit and put lots of weight on, I've lost it all again now though , we have a really good conditioning coach at Batley and training is getting tough again.
Q. Any message for the Bulls fans ahead of our new campaign in the Championship.
A. Just stick with them and I'm sure they will be back in no time.
Just make sure that you all bring your Ainscough banners next season lol. seriously all the best, and Happy Birthday too from BULLieve.
Thank you Shaun for talking to BULLieve once again. and all the very best to you in your future.
And finally just moving onto mentions now The BULLieve phone cases are now available at Attitude cases you can purchase theses by Clicking Here if you would like any more info on these cases or anything else please give them a follow on twitter @Attitude Cases or give them a like on Facebook by searching for Attitude cases and you can see there full range any questions you may have don't hesitate to contact them they are great guys and will help as much as possible. You can also view there products on instagram.com/attitudecases.
We would also like to mention Keith Johnson, many of you may or may not know the name but i'm sure you have all heard the trumpet that rings around Odsal on match days, well for those of you that don't know, he has been battling cancer, on his own Facebook yesterday Keith went to say that the Doctors are 96% sure he has beaten the Big C, Congratulations Keith were all really proud of you and cant wait to see and hear you back on the terraces at Odsal next season, hopefully with some hair too, but don't forget Bulls do sell wooly hats, Once again many congratulations from us all.
Away from Rugby League for a moment our thoughts also must go to Australia Cricketer Phillip Hughes who sadly passed away this morning, it really was a terrible tragedy, and freak accident too despite wearing the necessary protection was fatally injured after the ball struck him at the top of the neck causing the injury, our thoughts also go to the bowler Sean Abbott and sincerely hope he his receiving the counselling he requires at this time.
Just before we bid farewell, Congratulations to 12 year old Daniel Lanfear who became the 1863rd member of the 1863 club, we really hope you enjoy next season at The Provident Stadium, Jimmy is due to announce the Captain this Saturday in exclusive 1863 members only event there is still time to join and you can do so by Clicking Here. There will also be a preview of the this seasons alternative shirt.
Don't forget either with Christmas coming up and with fans missing the season so badly you can take the pain away by purchasing from Rugby League on DVD, its a fantastic site with many games from way back when, and relive those glorious moments, you can purchase by Clicking Here, there are 4,000 tiles to choose from spanning decades, oh and its £10 for a lifetime membership too. The Ultimate gift for the RL fan, well and our phone cases too;) and if you have signed up please let us know so we can mention you in further issues. Here's a selection of choice as just a taster.
We have also been informed that a friend close to BULLieve Roger Ram, his Mum has been taken very ill. We wish you all the best Roger and a speedy recovery for your mum, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you all for reading and until next time don't stop #BULLieving.
The blog would be nothing without you the people that read this, so we thank you all for taking your time to read. If you ever have any suggestions or news please contact us on twitter @BullsBULLieve or on our Facebook page Bradford Bulls BULLieve we want to hear from you.
