Get involved: Send your pictures, video, news and views by texting BRADFORD NEWS to 80360 or e-mail »
7:02am Wednesday 21st May 2008
Comments (114) Have your say »
Wound-up Joe Vagana is back - and ready to unleash his frustrations on the Rhinos.
After three months out stewing, the giant Bulls prop is set to make his long-awaited return against fierce rivals Leeds on Friday night.
You look up at the scoreboard and it’s reading 44-2 but you can’t do anything. It hurt me and all the guys and I know it hurt the fans too
Joe Vagana
Vagana has been sidelined since March 1 with a broken arm but last night got the all-clear to finally resume action.
During his absence, the ultra-competitive forward had to helplessly watch Bradford twice suffer heart-breaking defeats at the hands of their biggest enemy.
Now Vagana, 33, hopes the return of his sizeable presence will help make it third time lucky and avoid another derby disaster.
"It has hurt," admitted the veteran campaigner, currently in his eighth season at Odsal. "I was sitting on the sidelines at Headingley and Leeds were scoring at will.
"You look up at the scoreboard and it's reading 44-2 but you can't do anything.
"It hurt me and all the guys and I know it hurt the fans too.
"The team were doing all they could but it's tough. We haven't forgotten about it and we certainly haven't forgotten Cardiff either.
"Fingers crossed I'll be able to play my bit now though and get us the win this time around."
Vagana is under no illusion as to the size of the task.
Although ploughing through plenty of fitness work since fracturing his arm at Wigan, the big Kiwi knows there is no substitute for the intensity of a lightning-paced Super League contest.
"It's not going to be the easiest game to come back into after such a lay-off," said Vagana, with boss Steve McNamara likely to include him in his 19-man squad today.
"Facing the world club champions, our arch enemies, who have already got two convincing wins on us this season, it's as big as it gets for a comeback, if selected.
"It'll be tough but I'm sure the adrenaline will take over and I'll be doing my all to turn things our way this time.
"It's the longest spell I've had out for a long while and I can't wait to get back out there."
Powerhouse Vagana has missed a dozen games - more than in his entire career at Bradford - and came close to returning in the last couple of weeks.
He wasn't rushed back though and it needed a final X-ray last night to confirm the break had completely healed.
"You can steal a few weeks early on most injuries but not with broken bones," said the New Zealander.
"You don't want to risk coming back early and re-breaking it again but the surgeon's said it's okay now so I'm ready.
"I broke my other arm 13 years ago so I know even though I've got the all-clear it will be hurting for a few months to come but I'm not bothered about that and am just looking forward to Friday night."
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:58pm Wed 21 May 08
nm0887 wrote:dunno. theres a "coach" on this site who would probably put your theory to the test mate.
haitch wrote:howmuch damage wud burgess do at second row?wibseyrl wrote: i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:58pm Wed 21 May 08
nm0887 wrote:dunno. theres a "coach" on this site who would probably put your theory to the test mate.
haitch wrote:howmuch damage wud burgess do at second row?wibseyrl wrote: i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:56pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:indeed. Took over the mantel from Fielden when he bogged off and lets be fair, what the hell has he done at Wigan?
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:56pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:indeed. Took over the mantel from Fielden when he bogged off and lets be fair, what the hell has he done at Wigan?
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:56pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:indeed. Took over the mantel from Fielden when he bogged off and lets be fair, what the hell has he done at Wigan?
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
nm0887, bradford says...
3:13pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:howmuch damage wud burgess do at second row?
wibseyrl wrote: i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
nm0887, bradford says...
3:13pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:howmuch damage wud burgess do at second row?
wibseyrl wrote: i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
nm0887, bradford says...
3:13pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:howmuch damage wud burgess do at second row?
wibseyrl wrote: i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:12pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:12pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:12pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl wrote:He's hard to Fault. Best at 2nd row for me.Did more damage.
i must say peacock is equal in both positions. he was the best in the world at 2nd row and is the best in the world at prop. end of story, the best forward in the world!
wibseyrl, Wibsey says...
3:03pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl, Wibsey says...
3:03pm Wed 21 May 08
wibseyrl, Wibsey says...
3:03pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:02pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:I don't mind you contributing your own 'wisdom' Micksey. But please allow me to wind up LJ. Of course Morley is a good prop!!
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:02pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:I don't mind you contributing your own 'wisdom' Micksey. But please allow me to wind up LJ. Of course Morley is a good prop!!
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
3:02pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:I don't mind you contributing your own 'wisdom' Micksey. But please allow me to wind up LJ. Of course Morley is a good prop!!
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:53pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:If Peacock was better at second row then why doesn't he play there for club or country?
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:53pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:If Peacock was better at second row then why doesn't he play there for club or country?
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:53pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:If Peacock was better at second row then why doesn't he play there for club or country?
Morley is a superb front row Haitch, Peacock is better at 2nd row I agree but Morley is superb. I hasten to stress that in this instance I absolutely am not in "aggreance" with any particular idiot who does nothing else with his evidently yawning chasm of a day than blather on non stop to deeply tedious effect on this site, but merely contributing my own wisdom.
micksey, wibsey says...
2:45pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:45pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:45pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:32pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Always best as a second rower?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:32pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Always best as a second rower?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:32pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Always best as a second rower?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:24pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:24pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:24pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:20pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:20pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
2:20pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Well said LJ. You've hit the nail on the head. Morley and Peacock both great second rowers now plying their trade at prop because they are loosing their legs.Perhaps That's the reason GB are struggling. Peacock is a bit special but was always at hs best as a 2nd row. Morley never will make a top flight prop IMO Wire are discovering that to their cost. Whilst big Joe?? he just keeps rolling along. Used in 'spells'he's quite awesome, theres not a club in S/L who wouldn't love to have him. Furthermore his presence gives the Bulls so many more pack options.
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers? Haitch, Peacock and Morley USED to be second rowers when they were less bulky and a lot more mobile. Neither have played backrow for 3 years and longer, both are our first choice props for England and their clubs. they are now prop forwards.LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:19pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Did I say Blaaaaahhh?
micksey wrote: Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Ive forgot more about this game than you will ever know you little turd bulglar.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:19pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Did I say Blaaaaahhh?
micksey wrote: Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Ive forgot more about this game than you will ever know you little turd bulglar.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:19pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:Did I say Blaaaaahhh?
micksey wrote: Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Ive forgot more about this game than you will ever know you little turd bulglar.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:16pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:16pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
2:16pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey wrote:Blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Allow me to explain the same post in 2 different versions, i put it up the first time and it didn't appear to work or be up, so I rewrote it, even wittier I think, and posted it again. I'm very proud of it.
micksey, wibsey says...
2:13pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:13pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:13pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:11pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:11pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:11pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:07pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:07pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
2:07pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:53pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:53pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:53pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
1:51pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
1:51pm Wed 21 May 08
micksey, wibsey says...
1:51pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:50pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:50pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
LeagueJunkie!!!, Lost Again. says...
1:50pm Wed 21 May 08
haitch wrote:Why do people still think that they are second rowers?
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
1:37pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.
haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
1:37pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.
haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
1:37pm Wed 21 May 08
LeagueJunkie!!! wrote:As I said He's the best prop in Super League. Simple as that. Boy how Bulls have missed him! A true old fashioned prop. Trust LJ to offer two second rowers as an alternative! Joe does what a prop should do. He makes the yards forward offloads superbly and NEVER takes a backward step.
haitch wrote: There is no better prop in Super League..simple as that!Dont talk Rubbish, Haitch.
wibseyrl, Wibsey says...
1:09pm Wed 21 May 08
Sp00ky, BFD says...
9:58pm Wed 21 May 08