James Donaldson can sleep soundly again after tying up Bradford Bulls future

7:00am Monday 12th November 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author Exclusive By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

James Donaldson signs a new one-year contract James Donaldson signs a new one-year contract

James Donaldson has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with the Bulls, ending uncertainty over his future and the sleepless nights.

The highly-regarded back-rower, 21, was forced to wait as Francis Cummins began assembling a squad following his appointment at the end of the season.

It proved a stressful time for Donaldson, who becomes the last of the out-of-contract players to be handed a new deal, following in the footsteps of Chev Walker, Manase Manuokafoa, Jarrod Sammut and Danny Addy.

The Cumbrian has suffered two serious knee injuries but is now raring to go and will join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training.

“I’ve held out for this deal for so long that it became all I thought about,” said Donaldson, who has been at the club for the past five years.

“It got to the stage where I started to lose sleep.

“It started to get a bit stressful for me, my mum and my girlfriend with me going on all the time.

“But I’m just glad to put pen to paper now and crack on with pre-season training.

“There were a few other options but there was nowhere else I wanted to be because I love Bradford.

“I love all the boys here and that’s the main reason I wanted to stay.”

Donaldson injured his knee during the win at Castleford on February 12 and a specialist revealed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

It ruled him out for the remainder of the season and followed a previous knee injury during Bradford’s Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat by Warrington in May 2010.

Donaldson said: “It’s like starting all over again now.

“I’ve done my knee twice but this is a clean slate.

“My body is feeling good and I can’t wait to get back in training and try and put things right again.”

Cummins, whose priority now is to sign a front-line prop, said he always wanted to get Donaldson back on board.

He explained: “Throughout this whole process I’ve had to be pretty honest with James because of the situation we’re in as a club.

“I always wanted to keep him because he’s got a great attitude and he’s fought back from two big injuries.

“He loves the club, which is a huge thing for me, and has known nothing but Bradford since he was 15.

“Things had to work out in other positions before we could offer him the chance to get his career back on track.

“Now he has finally put pen to paper I’m delighted.”

Comments(39)

bullsone03 says...
7:25am Mon 12 Nov 12

If he gets his head down he will go well net season

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
7:31am Mon 12 Nov 12

An average bunch of young players signed on and none in the league of tomkins, charnley or hardaker , a very long season ahead.

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Mumby was the best says...
7:40am Mon 12 Nov 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
An average bunch of young players signed on and none in the league of tomkins, charnley or hardaker , a very long season ahead.
The Oracle has spoken so it must be right.

Welcome back Donno, hope you can shake off the bad luck.

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passionate says...
7:46am Mon 12 Nov 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
An average bunch of young players signed on and none in the league of tomkins, charnley or hardaker , a very long season ahead.
Three of THE best young forwards in super league. Comparing them to three young backs is pretty pointless. Donaldson and Bateman are high on the list of future England back rowers as is Whitehead. Name any other club in Super league with 3 back rowers as good as them under 25, let alone under 21.

Numpty alert. Hardaker is distinctly average as well IMO...

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
7:52am Mon 12 Nov 12

Jd average and injury prone, jb vastly overrated and not seen him play outstanding yet, whitehead would struggle to get in the team he coaches west bowling back row ,

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Steampig says...
7:57am Mon 12 Nov 12

The lad has been very unlucky with njuries over past 2 years, but remains a very good player and glad we have signed him again, hope his injuries are behind him now so he can show us what he is capable of.

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monobrow man says...
7:58am Mon 12 Nov 12

Donalson is top class, brilliant defence and game awareness.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
8:02am Mon 12 Nov 12

Rose tinted specs are out again, as for mumby or should I say mumbly stick to your word and don't come on here be a man not mouse. Squeak Squeak

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bully4us says...
8:05am Mon 12 Nov 12

For goodness sake, don’t reply to these idiots. That is what they want and you give it to them on a plate! Decent posters should talk between themselves and ignore the rest. It's easy. Just do it.

Report this post »

theviking62 says...
8:05am Mon 12 Nov 12

You'd better believe it you heard it here first. FAKE, is a good for nothing waster. Don't believe him, he still thinks that the moon is made of cheese and he knows more than anyone on here.

Well done, JD, hope all goes well for the future.

Onwards and Upwards

FAKE you ready for school,yet, got your Ben 10 lunch box, homework done, gloves and scarf on. Don't let the big boys bully you.

We're in the money
We're in the money

Not got my apology yet, FAKE, said I was wrong. OOPS you got that one wrong.

Report this post »

theviking62 says...
8:10am Mon 12 Nov 12

Bully4us, it's nice to wind them up for once, we haven't had much luck, for a while, it's now pay back time. For decent conversation I go on other forums that have strong moderators that get rid of his type quickly.

So don't begrudge me my bit of fun.

COYB

Report this post »

bbibby says...
8:15am Mon 12 Nov 12

Injury prone like langley ,Scruton,Walker,Kear
.No strength in debth and still no Props.Its going to be a long season. Wait till we get a few big scores against us and the injury list will grow. Are we going to sign more players???

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Mumby was the best says...
8:21am Mon 12 Nov 12

Donno`s signing is another piece in the jigsaw. It looks like FC has a new prop lined up. Everything coming out of the club at the moment is positive, so different to the last regime who treat fans like mushrooms (kept in the dark and fed sh**).
Does anybody know what is happening with Liam McAvoy? I thought he was out of contract but the article states Donno is the last of the ooc players.

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Solomon Grundy says...
8:24am Mon 12 Nov 12

Delighted for James and think he can go on to be a genuinely stand out player but he needs the full year without injury to start to really move on.

And yes, we need more props, and a back up HB.

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barbarian mike says...
8:34am Mon 12 Nov 12

Cummings has said on countless occasions he intends to sign a couple of props, so yes we are going to sign more, it will just take time to see who will best suit the squad and his coaching style, given what will be available so just be patient. We are not going to go from nearly losing the club to being a top 4 side. So those who are having a dig, just give it a rest. The current board and Cummins are doing an amazing job
If Donaldson can get over these 2 massive ACL reconstructions, he will be a brilliant player. His workrate, defence and foot work in attack are 2nd to none for a player in his position, when he is firing on all cylinders!
We have a brilliant young core of players signed up, and this season is merely a platform for FC to build on for next season when he can compete to sign a few better players, at the start of the transfer market rather than starting recruitment months after all the other clubs! This side will be very good in a couple of yrs or so!!

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bbibby says...
8:47am Mon 12 Nov 12

Cummins doing an amazing job!!! Season has not started yet mate, be real. He has been around the club for 2 years so he knows the players . As for the Directors, the Jury is out. Talk is cheap,results count so do not get ahead of yourself and stop dreaming.

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Mumby was the best says...
8:58am Mon 12 Nov 12

bbibby wrote:
Cummins doing an amazing job!!! Season has not started yet mate, be real. He has been around the club for 2 years so he knows the players . As for the Directors, the Jury is out. Talk is cheap,results count so do not get ahead of yourself and stop dreaming.
Why is the jury out on the Directors. Since they have been here they have done great deals sponsorship wise, the stadium is being used for new functions other than SL matches, They have forums for the fans. I agree the only way FC can do an amazing job is to produce a succesful side, but unlike you I prefer to be positive we have had too much negativity in the past couple of years.

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Bull4eva says...
8:58am Mon 12 Nov 12

theviking62 wrote:
You'd better believe it you heard it here first. FAKE, is a good for nothing waster. Don't believe him, he still thinks that the moon is made of cheese and he knows more than anyone on here.

Well done, JD, hope all goes well for the future.

Onwards and Upwards

FAKE you ready for school,yet, got your Ben 10 lunch box, homework done, gloves and scarf on. Don't let the big boys bully you.

We're in the money
We're in the money

Not got my apology yet, FAKE, said I was wrong. OOPS you got that one wrong.
Will you stop saying "We're in the money We're in the money"

Arrogance doesn't get you anywhere and it certainly doesn't win us trophies,

Report this post »

Steam Pigs says...
9:44am Mon 12 Nov 12

bully4us wrote:
For goodness sake, don’t reply to these idiots. That is what they want and you give it to them on a plate! Decent posters should talk between themselves and ignore the rest. It's easy. Just do it.
well said!!!

Welcome back Donno

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barbarian mike says...
9:46am Mon 12 Nov 12

bbibby wrote:
Cummins doing an amazing job!!! Season has not started yet mate, be real. He has been around the club for 2 years so he knows the players . As for the Directors, the Jury is out. Talk is cheap,results count so do not get ahead of yourself and stop dreaming.
And I suppose having a dig and totally writing us off already is a better way at looking at things! Some people are never happy, and why am I dreaming?? Cummins is doing an amazing job at present in that he is signing up all the decent youngsters who will form the core of the side, which is what we have all been crying out for. He has had to do this with restrictions in place, and after months of uncertainty. I know FC has yet to prove himself as 1st team coach, but for me he is making the right noises and heading in the right direction. I would rather have a bit of optimism than be a mardy doom mongerer!! I will remain so even if results do go horribly wrong as at least we still have a club to cheer on!
And I repeat, he has stated he intends to sign props, give him time, remember we are behind on recruitment!

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Bullcity says...
10:00am Mon 12 Nov 12

Yet another good signing of a talented young player.
Many people have exterme opinions her on this comments site. Many of these are completely negative. Best not to bother with such dreary comments.
I accept all fans are entitled to their opinons.
I hope we can gel the side together without too many early season defeats and then target a possible play off place.
If that happens after all of last years turmoil we will have done well as a club .
On paper with these players I believe it is possible .
So i say support the directors, encourage the coach & cheer on the team as approach season 2013 with great optomism for a succesful season with hopefully a reselection for SL at the end of our "allowed year'
COYB!!!

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Videoref says...
10:05am Mon 12 Nov 12

What amazes me is that with all the knowledge on this site, all the inside information, opinions and advice given to directors, staff and coaches that none of them offered their services free when we were in administrtion, mounted a (consortium) bid to buy the club nor applied for coaches job when Mick Potter left.
I would like to see them assemble a squad with restricted resources, at this time of year, (when most other clubs have snapped up the top dollar boys) with just a 1 year guaranteed future and raise multi millions of pounds in sponsorship plus sell season tickets in the process.
Why do some people have to knock everything that the new owners/coach is trying to do? Don't they know you achieve far more by motivating people in a positive manner than by criticising them all the time?
I get infuriated by same people coming up with negatives to EVERYTHING and ANYTHING the Bulls are trying to achieve.
Think positive for once -Is the glass half empty or half full? Put some optimism into your sad little lives.
Well done James in sorting your contract-let's hope you stay injury free and really kick on this year and prove the critics wrong

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bullybullman says...
10:07am Mon 12 Nov 12

bbibby wrote:
Cummins doing an amazing job!!! Season has not started yet mate, be real. He has been around the club for 2 years so he knows the players . As for the Directors, the Jury is out. Talk is cheap,results count so do not get ahead of yourself and stop dreaming.
The board has done more in the last 3 months that the previous lot did in a decade ! We are a club that has once again built some solid foundations e now are building our empire on those foundations.

I dont think anyone expects us to win super league in the next couple of years but we will be strong & competative & we will grow.

Good lad Donno & FC all at our club are doing a fantastic job.

Love the Bulls Love the board.

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Mumby was the best says...
10:10am Mon 12 Nov 12

Maybe Bbibby is the troll with various names!!

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bbibby says...
10:24am Mon 12 Nov 12

Hi Bully as an insider your comments are predictable, are you close to Viking alias Duffy.You never did tell me where you watch the games from,i need a good laugh .Why the change ? All wou did last season was criticise why the change.did you get reinstated?

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murphyslaw says...
10:35am Mon 12 Nov 12

Cummins is doing a fine job. Granted we have to wait for the season to begin before we know how his team will perform but he and the board are making all the right noises and believe me, that is most refreshing after what we have had to endure. As for young Donaldson, it's great he has signed. Such a promising young lad who twice was starting to look good before the injuries hit. I agree with all the comments that Donno, Bateman and Whitehead are riches many clubs don't posess.

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Steam Pigs says...
11:00am Mon 12 Nov 12

bbibby wrote:
Hi Bully as an insider your comments are predictable, are you close to Viking alias Duffy.You never did tell me where you watch the games from,i need a good laugh .Why the change ? All wou did last season was criticise why the change.did you get reinstated?
you're funny - you have no idea why you are funny - but carry on, we are loving this!

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flashdonut says...
11:33am Mon 12 Nov 12

I like my stats. You should see my 'Weekday Enthusiasm' graph I have done at work. Peaks at dinner and hometime.
.
Anyway, if I could get round to it, there would be a graph about Bulls news. It would show how that when there's Positive Bulls news, all the jealous, drivel talking, trolls logout of their chat rooms, where they are hiding behind fake photos as they chat up fake housewifes, and start to post on here.
.
All these negative comments should be taken, by all genuine Bulls fans, as a compliment to the club. Don't bother replying to the jealous oafs, be smug that the positive ripples are causing them to stir. They will soon get bored and continue chatting to 'Debbie, 27, from Otley' that is actually 'Bobby, 47, from Beeston'.
.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!
.
COYB!

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Queenybull says...
11:58am Mon 12 Nov 12

I for one am glad to see this the-signing, think FC is assembling a good squad. Think some people's heads are in the clouds, this season is all about building for the future. Leeds did it years ago signing up all their young talent that weren't exactly world beaters at the time but look at them now!
Keep it going and we could be a force again but it will take time so we need to be patient.
A big name signing would be nice though if there are any out there!

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
12:13pm Mon 12 Nov 12

I look at the team and think top 8 would be a massive achievement, so much so certain posters on here won't be alive to see success. FACT.

Report this post »

Steam Pigs says...
12:44pm Mon 12 Nov 12

flashdonut wrote:
I like my stats. You should see my 'Weekday Enthusiasm' graph I have done at work. Peaks at dinner and hometime.
.
Anyway, if I could get round to it, there would be a graph about Bulls news. It would show how that when there's Positive Bulls news, all the jealous, drivel talking, trolls logout of their chat rooms, where they are hiding behind fake photos as they chat up fake housewifes, and start to post on here.
.
All these negative comments should be taken, by all genuine Bulls fans, as a compliment to the club. Don't bother replying to the jealous oafs, be smug that the positive ripples are causing them to stir. They will soon get bored and continue chatting to 'Debbie, 27, from Otley' that is actually 'Bobby, 47, from Beeston'.
.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!
.
COYB!
Quality!

Report this post »

Adeybull says...
12:47pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Videoref wrote:
What amazes me is that with all the knowledge on this site, all the inside information, opinions and advice given to directors, staff and coaches that none of them offered their services free when we were in administrtion, mounted a (consortium) bid to buy the club nor applied for coaches job when Mick Potter left.
I would like to see them assemble a squad with restricted resources, at this time of year, (when most other clubs have snapped up the top dollar boys) with just a 1 year guaranteed future and raise multi millions of pounds in sponsorship plus sell season tickets in the process.
Why do some people have to knock everything that the new owners/coach is trying to do? Don't they know you achieve far more by motivating people in a positive manner than by criticising them all the time?
I get infuriated by same people coming up with negatives to EVERYTHING and ANYTHING the Bulls are trying to achieve.
Think positive for once -Is the glass half empty or half full? Put some optimism into your sad little lives.
Well done James in sorting your contract-let's hope you stay injury free and really kick on this year and prove the critics wrong
Don't be amazed. In the main, they are not Bulls fans at all. They are cyber-vandals - and fewer of them than you might think, once you net off their multiple-logins - and they appear to be little creatures with mental health issues.

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bullybullman says...
12:51pm Mon 12 Nov 12

bbibby wrote:
Hi Bully as an insider your comments are predictable, are you close to Viking alias Duffy.You never did tell me where you watch the games from,i need a good laugh .Why the change ? All wou did last season was criticise why the change.did you get reinstated?
Bibby - You have to understand the old & appreciate the new ! and trust me the club is now run like a club should be. At board level all matters are discussed & agreed not just brought in on a wim.

Opinion is fine but we must all wait to see how we perform on the field but imo we will do just fine this season with the two players we hope to sign it will only strengthen this belief.

Report this post »

barbarian mike says...
1:33pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Steam Pigs wrote:
flashdonut wrote:
I like my stats. You should see my 'Weekday Enthusiasm' graph I have done at work. Peaks at dinner and hometime.
.
Anyway, if I could get round to it, there would be a graph about Bulls news. It would show how that when there's Positive Bulls news, all the jealous, drivel talking, trolls logout of their chat rooms, where they are hiding behind fake photos as they chat up fake housewifes, and start to post on here.
.
All these negative comments should be taken, by all genuine Bulls fans, as a compliment to the club. Don't bother replying to the jealous oafs, be smug that the positive ripples are causing them to stir. They will soon get bored and continue chatting to 'Debbie, 27, from Otley' that is actually 'Bobby, 47, from Beeston'.
.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!
.
COYB!
Quality!
agreed, this is brilliant and do true! Laughed very loud when I read it!

Report this post »

bbibby says...
1:36pm Mon 12 Nov 12

bully, you seem to know a lot.! you attend the board meetings then? I alway knew you were an insider. why not identify yourself and stop hiding. Bulls should stop leaks comming out of the club i am sure the players did not appreciate the wages being discussed .You want to bring that up at the meetings.

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nosher says...
2:25pm Mon 12 Nov 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
An average bunch of young players signed on and none in the league of tomkins, charnley or hardaker , a very long season ahead.
Tomkins can score tries, but his defence and catching the high ball is very poor. I bet the Aussies and NZ lads are rubbing their hands when they see him at full back lol. Hardaker has improved at leeds but is not class.

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O ye of little faith says...
5:06pm Mon 12 Nov 12

Another good young player signed up,the back three section is looking good with about five to chose from.Another prop or two is probably Frannys priority,and what is happening re Liam McAvoy,looked good at times and a good prospect.My missus and daughter went on Friday night to a presentation of off the field events and I think the fans will find a greater variety of things available not only on match days but other times as well.The impression they got was how much thought and effort has gone into the Bulls set up on and off the field so well done Omar Khan and his team and things are looking good for next season,not only on the Rugby side but on the planned utilisation of the Stadium facilities throughout the year.So get your season tickets fans and as always show your undoubted support for the Bulls.Keep the faith COYB.

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Shipley Paul says...
9:39pm Mon 12 Nov 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
An average bunch of young players signed on and none in the league of tomkins, charnley or hardaker , a very long season ahead.
Do you actually watch rugby league or just post tripe on here? Best ring Francis Cummins quick and tell him how he's going wrong. It's going to be a long season because we're having a good run in the playoffs. You read it here..........

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
8:49pm Tue 13 Nov 12

Drug test needed

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