IN THIS WEEKS EDITION WE HAVE,
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS FROM ODSAL,
VIEW FROM THE TERRACE,
INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BRADFORD BULLS HEAD COACH BRIAN SMITH,
LOOKING AT LEIGH CENTURIONS
FANS INTERACTION AND MENTIONS,
RECENT NEWS AND EVENTS FROM ODSAL.
The full contingent of Jimmy's squad have just recently taken part in a 3 day Army style training camp in Essex of which was a huge success and provided a valuable break from the routine training regime.
The full contingent of Jimmy's squad have just recently taken part in a 3 day Army style training camp in Essex of which was a huge success and provided a valuable break from the routine training regime.
The Bulls joined the 33 Engineer Regiment (EOD) and sister regiment, 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD). Following a host of problem-solving tasks, the players faced rigorous army physical training as they got the chance to sample what life in the armed forces would be like. Jimmy felt the break will pay dividends when the season kicks off on the 15/02/14.
The Bulls players on camp, All Bradford Bulls pictures are used with courtesy and permissions of Bradford Bulls Media Executive Ryan Sparks.
Yesterday evening it was the night of the Big Season Launch which saw a whole host of new exciting and innovative ideas, the news from Marc Green was very positive. Marc addressed the audience announcing that under his leadership a "world class back room team has been assembled to ensure first class rugby for the Bulls supporters". He went onto add, "The clubs staff has doubled since i took over and there are fantastic people in place and every department is growing, when I took over there were less than 90 business's working with the Bulls. That figure has since grown by 300%. Since the relaunch of the Big One lottery, we are homing in on the 5,000-member mark, which will generate a further £5,000 a week for the club".
Marc moved onto the season tickets and how they were performing "we set a target of 4,000 members of the 1863 club. That is not a break even point and, with 2 weeks to go we have surpassed 3,000, over 12% of the 3,004 members have not held a season ticket for more than 2 years.
Marc also announced the new arrival of THE BULLETIN free of charge for all supporters and thus replaces match day programmes, (Keep your eyes open for this). Full details will be published on the Bulls website tomorrow. The website is to also undergo a makeover and this will be avaliable early next week as final preparations take place, designed by live and breathe and produced by Tecmark whom are sponsors for 2015, and will provide a new fresh look for supporters but will be more functional and for fans to enjoy a better online experience. Fans will also be able to enjoy a much more enjoyable experience while browsing online content and merchandise. Also another superb announcement is Bulls TV is to be launched alongside the new website.
And most of all the best part of BULLS TV is that it's all free.
Much anticipated also from the Evening was the announcement of the squad numbers, here are the 2015 Bradford Bulls.
1. Jake Mullaney, 2. Etu Uaisele, 3. Adrian Purtell, 4. Matty Blythe, 5. Danny Williams, 6. Lee Gaskell,
7. Harry Siejka, 8. Paul Clough, 9. Adam O'Brien, 10. Adam Sidlow, 11. Tom Olbison,
12. Dale Ferguson, 13. Danny Addy, 14. Jay Pitts, 15. Dan Fleming, 16. Karl Davies, 17. Jean-Phillipe Baile, 18. (Awaiting confirmation) 19. Chris Ulugia, 20. Adam Henry, 21. Dave Petersen, 22. Chev Walker (C) 23. Alex Mellor, 24. Lucas Walshaw, 25, Nathan Conroy, 26. Vila Halafihi, 27. Ryan Shaw,
28. Samir Tahraoui, 29. Adam Brook, 30. Sam Bates, 31. Epalahame Lauaki.
Don't forget there are still huge discounts on items within the Bulls Mega store, on some items there are 50% discounts across the official ISC merchandise range, be quick though as stock is limited but there is a variety of polo shirts, hoodies and T shirts on sale. If you are unable to visit you can view the range by Clicking Here .
VIEW FROM THE TERRACE
We have been asking fans in our Facebook group to share there views and thoughts on the new season ahead, this week Michael Thornes got in touch with BULLieve with his thoughts and has also kindly allowed us to use some pictures from the game.
"Thought we played well today a few handling errors which Jimmy can iron out. Better 2nd half by players outstanding feature for me was lumberjack (Karl Davis) pulling beep beep burrow back by scruff of his shirt. Nice to see bulls fans showing JP there appreciation. Bring on Fui Fui & lets see lumberjack put him on his back".
LOOKING AT LEIGH CENTURIONS,
A Programme from the Northern days against Leigh
Leigh will be formidable opponents for the Bulls in 2014, who also have very big super league ambitions and have recruited wisely during the off season. Most notably is Fuifui moimoi who has signed initially on a 1 year deal, with the option to extend for a further year. Moimoi comes to Leigh with a glittering career behind him in the NRL having played for Parramatta Eels from 2004-14, also having represented Tonga and New Zealand respectively.
Leigh though also have a whole host of talent in there ranks with the names of Martin Aspinwall, Sean Penkywicz, Michael Platt and Oliver Wilkes to name just a few who will be hoping to earn the side a place in the Super league for 2016.
The last time Bradford and Leigh met was in the Challenge cup in 2010, when a certain Robbie Paul was on the opposing side, Bradford had previously trounced Dewsbury 50-0 in the 4th round showing that there was a huge gulf between Super League and Lower league opposition. In Bradford's last game they had been humiliated at the hands of Crusaders RL at the Magic weekend 0-19, Leigh came into the game brimming with confidence that potentially another upset could be on the cards.
Leigh were no strangers to cup upsets as they had previously upset the odds in 1971 with what many say as one of the most unexpected results when Alex Murphy inspired them to beat favourites Leeds 24-7.
In there last league game Leigh had also beaten Dewsbury 30-14 which was there 10th in succession and briefly topped the Championship, it certainly had all the attributes to be a great game with Bradford sitting pretty in 5th place In the super league table.
On paper that's about as good as it got as Bradford really showed there class and brought Leigh down to earth with a huge bang beating them 58-16 with Chris Nero scoring a hat trick. Paul Sykes had a faultless evening with the boot scoring 20 points. Bradford's other try scorers that night were, Steve Menzies, Wayne Godwin, Brett Kearney, Michael Worrincy and Glenn Hall.
Leigh put in a Valiant effort that evening and since then have improved season upon season, whether the result will be similar on the 15th February we shall have to wait and see, somehow we feel it may be much more closely fought affair.
In the friendlies this season Leigh have come out on top most surprisingly by beating Wigan 18-14, some may say that Wigan had only put a host of first teamers out, but with the names of Josh Charnley and Joel Tomkins in the squad certainly had strength in depth. Leigh were superb in defence for long periods especially by holding out for nearly 5 straight sets in there own half.
Leigh also were victorious against North Wales Crusaders 42-22 in what was a very physical encounter which also featured former Bradford Bull Stuart Reardon, so far Leigh have looked strong in attack and in defence. With the most recent hammering of Keighley Cougars 86-0. Leigh have had a perfect start to there pre season and will now be looking forward to getting back to league action and stating there intentions for a position in Super League.
To take a look back at Bradford Northern V Leigh you can do so by Clicking Here .
Leigh Centurions lift the trophy in the 2014 Grand Final at Headingly against Featherstone Rovers.
INTERVIEW WITH FORMER BULLS HEAD COACH BRIAN SMITH,
This weeks former Bull is none other than the man himself who was with Bradford from the beginning of BULLMANIA, Brian Smith took the Bulls to Wembley for the first time in 23 years,and helped create a whole new era in the modern game. This week Brian speaks to BULLieve.
Q. What are your stand out memories from coaching the Bulls, and what was your reason to come over and take charge at Odsal.
Stand out memories of Bulls were almost all about what exciting times they were. Every day we made progress. The way so many people came together in a very short time to create Bullmania was really wonderful to be a part of.
Opportunity was my reason for joining the Bulls. I knew Peter Deakin could create a completely different off field business model to make possible the generation of serious £££££s. We had loved our time at Hull 1987-91 so I felt I knew the English game pretty well too.
Q. You didn't initially arrive immediately at Bradford to take the reigns, but you were supported immensely by assistant Matthew Elliot, did you find it difficult implement changes without actually seeing the playing squad.
Q. You didn't initially arrive immediately at Bradford to take the reigns, but you were supported immensely by assistant Matthew Elliot, did you find it difficult implement changes without actually seeing the playing squad.
I completed the playoff series with St George Dragons then left immediately for Bradford. My wife and kids had aleady been there to start the school year. Yes Matthew began the process of change - we had spoken most days and nights on the progress and problems until I could get there.
Matt did a great job which was an early sign of the great achievements he would become a part of in the future.
Q. When you eventually arrived at Odsal the centenary year was up and running and everything was not as seemed, what were your immediate changes that needed to get people interested in the Bulls brand.
Q. When you eventually arrived at Odsal the centenary year was up and running and everything was not as seemed, what were your immediate changes that needed to get people interested in the Bulls brand.
The changes needed were extensive. Bradford had rich history as a sporting club but had not embraced modern professional attitudes and business practices. Resources and facilities were in need of complete overhaul as was the aging playing roster.
The Bulls brand and image equally needed to be emphasized. One of the major drivers in the Bulls becoming one of the most recognized sporting clubs was Peter Deakin. He was a real innovator in UK sport based on his experiences in USA sports clubs and on his absolute passion for rugby league. His achievements cannot be over stated. Peter's sudden and early passing was a terrible loss for his family and rugby league.
Q. As a player you only played for South Sydney and St George respectively,what was your decision to enter coaching so early in your career.
ONLY 31? I was very pleased and proud of my achievement in playing any games first team games for St George and South Sydney ! Becoming a physical education teacher introduced me to coaching. I felt It was my calling and loved everything about coaching both junior levels and eventually professionally.
Q. You have coached in the NRL and super league can you tell us about some of your highs and lows during your coaching career.
Q. You have coached in the NRL and super league can you tell us about some of your highs and lows during your coaching career.
Every day had highs in coaching for me for the 34 years I held those responsibilities. There were lows on a few too but I choose not to concentrate on those.
Q. How much do you feel the game in general has changed from your own playing days, and do you think that the English Super League has the same intensity of the NRL.
Q. How much do you feel the game in general has changed from your own playing days, and do you think that the English Super League has the same intensity of the NRL.
The standards of preparation have changed remarkably, totally even in the past 10 years in Australia. It's consistently evolving as a professional sport and entertainment business. The on field aspect of the game is almost u recognizable from the 70s challenging and demanding our clubs teams and individual players to meet athletic and footballing standards of the highest level. And the world around the game also demands similar standards in lifestyle choices of behavior and attitudes.
Rugby League has a different flavor to it in SL. Rather than compare or grade it I prefer to enjoy the differences to NRL.
Q. You had a short spell with Bradford again in 2006 in a advisory role what did this in involve.
Q. You had a short spell with Bradford again in 2006 in a advisory role what did this in involve.
Steve Mac had just taken over mid season and I had just finished nearly a decade with Parramatta Eels. I came to offer him some experience and assistance in a critical period after a poor start to the season when he took over in his first shot at coaching. Recovering and rebuilding the Bulls was a tremendously difficult thing which he did very well.
As time would show the depth of off field issues underpinned the on field difficulties in maintaining the amazing standards the club had enjoyed over the previous decade. It appeared to me that all that club based team work and quality leadership of the initial seasons of the Bulls had serious cracks in it.
Q. You have also coached the USA international side is rugby league well supported in the states or is it still work in progress with NFL being the predominant sport in America.
Q. You have also coached the USA international side is rugby league well supported in the states or is it still work in progress with NFL being the predominant sport in America.
No I was asked to step into the usa job when the NZ Warriors refused Matt E to continue in the role of Tomahawks head coach. I did some planning for the WC but had to withdraw after a few weeks as my son Keegan decided to get married during the World Cup. The USA rugby league has never been fully supported by the international body. It is undergoing yet another coup and restructure. I expect it will remain in that state until the support required is forthcoming.
Q. As a coach have you ever come across any players that have been difficult to coach?
Q. As a coach have you ever come across any players that have been difficult to coach?
Yes but not many compared to the many I have had the pleasure to coach who were dedicated and disciplined and eager to improve.
Q. Was it only ever your intention just to spend the 1 season at Bradford and then hand the reigns over to Matthew?
Q. Was it only ever your intention just to spend the 1 season at Bradford and then hand the reigns over to Matthew?
No. A surprise offer came to return to coach in Australia. As much as it was the most exciting period of my life I had recognized some difficulties in my total commitment to living in UK for an extended period for me.
Q. How did you react when it became public that Bradford were to enter administration and potentially faced extinction.
Whilst I have not remained totally conversant with inner working of the Bulls since I left, I was not surprised when the shocking demise of the great club hit as I was very aware of the ongoing risk and ultimate effects of the "Iestyn Harris contract issue".
Q. Yourself and Matthew pretty much master minded the early years of success for the Bulls, how do you think they will fare this season in the Championship where the competition is going to be ferocious.
Q. Yourself and Matthew pretty much master minded the early years of success for the Bulls, how do you think they will fare this season in the Championship where the competition is going to be ferocious.
Matthew and many others made ongoing contributions to Bradford's SL domination. My contribution was very satisfying even though it was a bit of a whirlwind 2 seasons.
Jimmy Lowes acquisition was one of the best of the many player personnel decisions we made in those early rebuilding days. Now he is in the coaching hot seat himself so I know he will get lots of Bulls-style support. I really don't know of Jimmy's experience or influence as a coach but I certainly wish him and the club well.
Q. Robbie Paul is now a major influence at Bradford but you knew him as a fresh faced young lad, did you see the potential in Robbie early in his Career, also with regards to our Current Bulls coach Jimmy Lowes whom also signed in 1996, can you tell us a little bit about Jimmy and his work ethic, he was a ferocious competitor on the field and never took a backward step what was he like to coach?
Q. Robbie Paul is now a major influence at Bradford but you knew him as a fresh faced young lad, did you see the potential in Robbie early in his Career, also with regards to our Current Bulls coach Jimmy Lowes whom also signed in 1996, can you tell us a little bit about Jimmy and his work ethic, he was a ferocious competitor on the field and never took a backward step what was he like to coach?
Yes we made him our first SL captain! I am surprised he is not the manager of the Rolling Stones or chairman of BBC by now!
JL was definitely near the top of any player acquisition of that period of SL's beginning. When you see how little we paid for him and his undoubted contribution for so long to the Bulls it was great business! And it hurt Leeds every time he played the many great games he had for the Bulls. Great footballing instincts and tremendous competitor.
Q. You took Bradford to Wembley in 1996 for the first time in 23 years what do you remember of that particular day, some described that particular game as the best Challenge cup ever. (Not for a bulls Fan)
Q. You took Bradford to Wembley in 1996 for the first time in 23 years what do you remember of that particular day, some described that particular game as the best Challenge cup ever. (Not for a bulls Fan)
It was a fantastic day despite the loss. The game itself was exhilarating and it was an early sign to Bulls fans and generally to all rugby league fans of the new beginning for rugby league resurgence and the Bulls huge part in that.
Q. What did Bradford have in the Early Super League years that others didn't to become such a huge success and force.
Q. What did Bradford have in the Early Super League years that others didn't to become such a huge success and force.
A strong commitment from everyone at the Bulls to make SL work was generated almost immediately. While some other clubs and individuals were whining about summer rugby and full time professionalism, the Bulls were revitalising the whole business operation. It was such a wonderful experience to be part of a group of people wiling to embrace such rapid change.
Q. Bradford may have fallen from grace for now, but do you think that those early years you helped create will return once again at Odsal as fans we certainly believe so, do you think that an instant return to Super league is a must for the Bulls.
That original group of people had the attitude necessary for great achievements in such a short time. Anything is possible with hard work, smart ideas, great teamwork and quality leadership. Bulls have done it once why not do it again, now.
Q. If you had to pick your own squad from your own playing days and coaching career to present day who would you have in it.
That's too tough sorry.
Q. Recently Sam Burgess made the switch to union from South Sydney, do you think it's time that salary caps were raised and more monies paid out to Rugby league players to stop the defection to Union.
No.
Until SL (and NRL) clubs recognize what they could achieve if they saw the possibilities for growth of the game rather than short term growth of their own clubs, salary caps will remain where they are now. They probably need to remain there rather than go broke trying to buy their way to sort term success.
Q. Media coverage in England is very poor to raise the profile of the Great game, what do you feel needs to be done so it gets the media exposure on national TV it really deserves.
Too many negative people involved in critical positions has been a detrimental growth feature of RL in all its posts around the globe at times. The quality of the game is not the major problem in my opinion although it could be consistently better with better junior player development programmes. It's the negativity and lack of awareness that clubs are big rivals on the field but are all part of the same business all of the time! Off field team work carrying consistent positive messages via the media could achieve a very different media exposure.
Q. Finally Brian do you think that the International scene also needs to be revamped and would England benefit by reverting back to Great Britain.
Q. Finally Brian do you think that the International scene also needs to be revamped and would England benefit by reverting back to Great Britain.
Yes to the first question. I expect some very positive changes to the international aspect with Shane Richardson's recent appointment to NRL admin with that a significant feature of his responsibilities I believe.
I am not aware of the possible GB effect.
We would very much like to thank Brian for his time to speak to BULLieve and express our sincere gratitude for taking his time to answer our questions, Thank you very much indeed Brian we wish you well.
FANS INTERACTIONS AND MENTIONS,
We would like to kindly thank Ryan Sparks of the Bradford Bulls, who kindly lets us use images from the official site we thank you for this and your ongoing support Thank you.
In our Facebook group we asked how you came about supporting Bradford, whether it be Northern or the Bulls, Kirsty Dew told us her story of how she became a "Bull".
" It was actually valentines weekend and I had been staying over at my partners, my partner had bought me a Valentine's card but the red roses were missing (13 years on still nothing changes), however on the Saturday morning my partner did do something romantic we got engaged on Valentine's Day, he did do the whole thing by asking permission from my parents and got down on one knee, which was quite sweet, and then proceeded to tell me in his words "right get changed Bulls kick off at 6 were off to watch world club challenge" a little shocked but went along with it as I had actually never ever been to a live sporting event, secretly a little excited but also a candle lit dinner would have also been nice. We set off on our 2 hour journey and arrived about 10 minutes late, it was freezing walking into the stadium and I thought I'm really not going to enjoy this, my partner was in his element giving it loads shouting, cheering well he was away and I realised just how much the Bulls meant to him. Bradford scored and that was it I was hooked we were so close to the players you could almost touch them and they were just so big the atmosphere was electric, I forgot about the cold and just enjoyed the whole atmosphere of everything about the game, I must have been a bit of a pain asking about the rules every few minutes but I don't think he minded. After that game I was hooked on the Bulls, we started going to Home games and a few away when we could and work allowed and I've never looked back ever since, he's still Bulls mad and I know it's something I have to live with but I do enjoy watching Bradford and really hope they bounce back into Super League it's just not the same without them being there COYB'S". Thank you Kirsty that was great to hear your story.
We are also currently in talks with furthering our range our merchandise of which we are hoping to include BULLieve T Shirts, mugs and other novelties, in doing so we are hoping to be able to make enough profit on the items so that we are able to donate an amount to the Bulls Foundation. This is still work in progress but as soon as we know any more details we shall let you know via our Facebook group or Twitter account @BullsBULLieve.
We would like to thank you all once again for reading our blog, and look forward now to the beginning of our new adventure in the championship, until next time don't stop BULLieving.
