Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:03 pm  

Pat Bateman wrote:

Wasn’t will Oakes in our academy once upon a time.

Both Will's, Dagger and Oakes, left at the same time - Warrington & HKR I believe

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 2:59 pm  

PopTart wrote:

This is Bradford's squad. Some good players but I think we compare favourably.

Bradford Bulls 2024 squad numbers in full
1. Tom Holmes
2. Ben Blackmore
3. Joe Arundel
4. Kieran Gill
5. Jorge Taufua
6. Lee Gaskell
7. Jordan Lilley
8. Jordan Baldwinson
9. George Flanagan Snr
10. Ebon Scurr
11. Brad England
12. Chester Butler
13. Michael Lawrence

14. John Davies
15. Dan Smith
16. Keven Appo
17. Eribe Doro
18. Mitch Souter
19. Sam Hallas
20. Billy Jowitt
21. Jayden Myers
22. Will Oakes
23. Dan Okoro

Think the Bradford squad looks pretty bloody useful. I genuinely think its going to be the most competitive Championship season for many a year. Think there will be upsets as all sides have plenty of ability. I think we may see the side that finishes top of the table losing 6 or 7 matches.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 3:05 pm  

Pat Bateman wrote:

Wasn’t will Oakes in our academy once upon a time.

He looked destined for great things back then but chose to join Hull KR just before they got relegated. His career never really recovered from that.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 4:15 pm  

bellycouldtackle wrote:

Think the Bradford squad looks pretty bloody useful. I genuinely think its going to be the most competitive Championship season for many a year. Think there will be upsets as all sides have plenty of ability. I think we may see the side that finishes top of the table losing 6 or 7 matches.

In what way, who would you have from that lot? I know you always like to think the grass is greener, but crikey!

At least one of those you'd written off three years ago when he joined us, has he suddenly sprouted wings?

I agree it is more competitive than I'd like, but Bradford is not the side I'd be especially worried about over a full season. Will be interesting game at the start of the season all the same, and I could easily see Bradford pinching it, as early season games are very hard to predict, we will need to be on top form. Hopefully Powell is more than experienced enough to keep the early season over expectation under control, and we grind out a win.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 4:18 pm  

Appo maybe, Scurr too?

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 4:25 pm  

Khlav Kalash wrote:

Appo maybe, Scurr too?

Two! I'd be a bit more generous, but not much.

It's not that they are a poor squad, but I don't see anything exceptional or desirable. Could say the same about us I suppose, but if Ellis is true to his word then we can afford to get better if we need to, don't think Bradford can.

Seems so weird to make that last statement after thirty years of poverty, but in theory at least that's the case.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 4:29 pm  

[quote="vastman"]In what way, who would you have from that lot?

I am sure you made the same statement before the start of last season about one of our competitors plus wasn’t it you who also questioned the appointment of Peters at Hull KR. I believed you considered him a failed coach during his time in the NRL.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 4:38 pm  

vastman wrote:

In what way, who would you have from that lot? I know you always like to think the grass is greener, but crikey!

At least one of those you'd written off three years ago when he joined us, has he suddenly sprouted wings?

I agree it is more competitive than I'd like, but Bradford is not the side I'd be especially worried about over a full season. Will be interesting game at the start of the season all the same, and I could easily see Bradford pinching it, as early season games are very hard to predict, we will need to be on top form. Hopefully Powell is more than experienced enough to keep the early season over expectation under control, and we grind out a win.

Not saying the grass is greener, just that they can put out a very strong Championship first 17 who will take some beating. I dont think there will be much between us , Fev, Sheffield, Doncaster, Toulouse, Fax, York and the rest of the League can beat any of above on their day.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 5:52 pm  

bellycouldtackle wrote:

Not saying the grass is greener, just that they can put out a very strong Championship first 17 who will take some beating. I dont think there will be much between us , Fev, Sheffield, Doncaster, Toulouse, Fax, York and the rest of the League can beat any of above on their day.

I get that but it’s not that simple

We are the only genuine full time squad in the comp. We have the most proven coach and far and away the best back room set up.

But trumping all that, assuming you believe, is Ellis wedge. Nobody can match that should he choose to go all out. So imho there is a heck of a lot between us and the rest. It should really come into play in the last quarter of the season.

We may fail, but we really shouldn’t, we have it in our own hands for once.

Re: First game vs Bradford : Mon Dec 04, 2023 5:54 pm  

[quote="Scarlet Pimpernell"]

You really are desperate.

I certainly never commented on Peters, why would I?

I may well have said the same about another team last year, so what? What relevance does that have in any known universe to asking Belly who he’d have from Bradford. I’d love a coherent explanation but I’m not holding out much hope.