FIRSTLY, let me say how delighted I am to be able to have my own column in the Wharfedale Observer.

It will give me an opportunity to let you know what is going on behind the scenes at Odsal and what some of my team-mates are up to.

It was a really good result for us last week against Castleford.

The way we took the game to them was very pleasing.

We expected a game similar to the Challenge Cup tie, which we lost, but we really hit them hard, which was good.

It has been a mixed season for us so far. Last year we didn't lose a game at home until right at the end of the season, but this year we have already lost to Leeds Rhinos and Halifax Blue Sox.

The difference is that this season you have to make the top five, ideally the top three.

That is when you have to be playing your best football and I am sure that we will be right in there at the end of the season.

We have picked up a couple of terrible injuries already this season. Paul Anderson and Warren Jowitt have both suffered knee injuries that will keep them out for the rest of the year.

It is tragic for both of them, as they had trained really hard in the winter and were looking forward to establishing themselves this term.

I have been struggling myself with injury so far. I fractured the top of my thighbone, just where it goes into the knee.

It was a shock as I had done it around Christmas and had carried on training without realising the extent of the problem.

Thankfully, I have had the operation and I was on sticks for seven weeks but I can no do most things that I could before and I am getting fitter every week.

It is important that I do get back to full fitness as the midfield, with myself, Robbie Paul, Steve McNamara and now, Shawn Edwards coming in, is the most important area on the field and we need to get a settled pattern of play.

Our Academy also had a great win at Castleford. There are some talented footballers at the club and the development team with Darral Shelford and Wayne Collins in charge.

Players now want to come to the Bulls, which is good for the future of the club.

Young Stuart Fielden is a very exciting prospect and he can't be far away from the first team at the moment.

London Broncos will be a tough game for us. they always come here and try to bash us about but after the great result at Castleford, we will be well up for it.

I hope that I will see you all at Odsal on Friday and don't forget to come early and sample the pre-match entertainment.

It really is a good night out.

l The match kicks-off at 7.45pm pm and is being televised on Sky Sports.

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