Bradford Bulls to pack plenty of beef

7:30am Friday 16th November 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Manase Manuokafoa will provide plenty of power next season Manase Manuokafoa will provide plenty of power next season

Francis Cummins insists the Bulls will pack enough front-row power to compete with Super League’s big boys.

The Odsal chief is targeting an experienced prop to complete his squad-building for next year’s campaign.

Cummins has waved goodbye to Bryn Hargreaves, Craig Kopczak and Tom Burgess since the end of last season and England academy prospect Liam McAvoy is Leeds-bound. But he is confident his revamped pack will not lack for beef.

“We’ve got Nas (Manase Manuokafoa) and I’m hoping Nick Scruton will be over all his injuries and we’ll get a full pre-season from him,” said Cummins.

“We might have to look at Jamie Langley as well. He’s not a traditional number 13 for this country and we might do things a different way.

“I’m glad we’ve got Ben Evans and it would be nice to get another one in there with a bit more experience.”

Warrington prop Evans, who has joined on a one-year loan, has yet to make his Super League debut and Cummins will feed him into the team gradually.

He said: “We’ve got to develop Ben. There’s no point in trying to make him play in every game.

“We’ll give him a good pre-season and then he’s got to earn the right. You can’t throw him straight in – physically young men aren’t ready to cope with that.

“He is going to play a supporting role, that’s what we brought him here for.”

Evans is one of three new signings and Cummins is chasing one more prop who has been round the block. He has targets in mind but admits progress has been frustrating.

He said: “These things develop and we’re still looking at a few options. You think you are close to it when you aren’t.

“You always like to get people in early in pre-season but unfortunately you can’t determine that at this stage. Other clubs and agents get involved and you never know.”

Meanwhile, Cummins has left his players in no doubt about how long pre-season will last. He keeps the exact number of days written on his hand.

He said: “I’ve been counting down since the players came back and it’s 79 now. But it’s not that long because there are 30 rest days in that as well.

“I’ve told the players they are down to 49 sessions. But they pointed out that it’s 49 days because we’re often putting on more than one session at a time.

“You need to get every last bit out of each day to make sure we’re ready.”

Comments(44)

monobrow man says...
7:57am Fri 16 Nov 12

If either NAS or scrutton get injured we are left with 1 out and out experienced prop, we got bullied in a lot of games last year with a full compliment of props.

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Archie's Ghost says...
7:58am Fri 16 Nov 12

A rookie coach, a young backrow, a squad of 22/23, one of whom is recovering from heart issues and four props, one of whom is a diabetic, one never played SL and the final one we don't know the identity of.

I'm desperate to get behind Cummins but this looks like he hasn't a clue.

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bullsone03 says...
8:05am Fri 16 Nov 12

Having Jamie langley has a prop makes a lot of sense plenty of experience give the young ones someone to look upto

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mmmbeefy says...
8:22am Fri 16 Nov 12

Archie's Ghost wrote:
A rookie coach, a young backrow, a squad of 22/23, one of whom is recovering from heart issues and four props, one of whom is a diabetic, one never played SL and the final one we don't know the identity of.

I'm desperate to get behind Cummins but this looks like he hasn't a clue.
Hasn't got a clue? Have you been living under a rock since Easter?

The club went into administration, did you miss that? It came out just before the last game of the season. A time when pretty much any out of contract player who's worth anything has already been sorted out with a new club.

Cummins is having to build a team out of scraps. Anyone who thinks that now administration is behind us it means we're on for the double in 2013 is an idiot.

Anyone with any sense can see we're on to a kicking for most of 2013. It's 2014 we should be looking towards when FC will be able to attract players to make a competitive side

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Mumby was the best says...
8:33am Fri 16 Nov 12

mmmbeefy wrote:
Archie's Ghost wrote:
A rookie coach, a young backrow, a squad of 22/23, one of whom is recovering from heart issues and four props, one of whom is a diabetic, one never played SL and the final one we don't know the identity of.

I'm desperate to get behind Cummins but this looks like he hasn't a clue.
Hasn't got a clue? Have you been living under a rock since Easter?

The club went into administration, did you miss that? It came out just before the last game of the season. A time when pretty much any out of contract player who's worth anything has already been sorted out with a new club.

Cummins is having to build a team out of scraps. Anyone who thinks that now administration is behind us it means we're on for the double in 2013 is an idiot.

Anyone with any sense can see we're on to a kicking for most of 2013. It's 2014 we should be looking towards when FC will be able to attract players to make a competitive side
Spot on We need patience, it`s a rebuilding situation. Some kicking FC before we start, the guys gonna be slaughtered once we lose heavily by the usual suspects. If you need to watch a winning team go to Wigan or Warrington.

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Archie's Ghost says...
8:48am Fri 16 Nov 12

mmmbeefy wrote:
Archie's Ghost wrote:
A rookie coach, a young backrow, a squad of 22/23, one of whom is recovering from heart issues and four props, one of whom is a diabetic, one never played SL and the final one we don't know the identity of.

I'm desperate to get behind Cummins but this looks like he hasn't a clue.
Hasn't got a clue? Have you been living under a rock since Easter?

The club went into administration, did you miss that? It came out just before the last game of the season. A time when pretty much any out of contract player who's worth anything has already been sorted out with a new club.

Cummins is having to build a team out of scraps. Anyone who thinks that now administration is behind us it means we're on for the double in 2013 is an idiot.

Anyone with any sense can see we're on to a kicking for most of 2013. It's 2014 we should be looking towards when FC will be able to attract players to make a competitive side
Not true. He's released Pryce and Joseph. He's chosen not to sign Fielden, Adam Walker and for whatever reason McAvoy has now left.

Nobody is saying he inherited a good situation but it was far from a fait accompli.

He doesn't have enough players. It's the first rule of coaching and he doesn't get it

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danger mouse says...
8:52am Fri 16 Nov 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
mmmbeefy wrote:
Archie's Ghost wrote:
A rookie coach, a young backrow, a squad of 22/23, one of whom is recovering from heart issues and four props, one of whom is a diabetic, one never played SL and the final one we don't know the identity of.

I'm desperate to get behind Cummins but this looks like he hasn't a clue.
Hasn't got a clue? Have you been living under a rock since Easter?

The club went into administration, did you miss that? It came out just before the last game of the season. A time when pretty much any out of contract player who's worth anything has already been sorted out with a new club.

Cummins is having to build a team out of scraps. Anyone who thinks that now administration is behind us it means we're on for the double in 2013 is an idiot.

Anyone with any sense can see we're on to a kicking for most of 2013. It's 2014 we should be looking towards when FC will be able to attract players to make a competitive side
Spot on We need patience, it`s a rebuilding situation. Some kicking FC before we start, the guys gonna be slaughtered once we lose heavily by the usual suspects. If you need to watch a winning team go to Wigan or Warrington.
Agreed. We need to support the lads on the pitch next season despite some of the results we may have and we need to support the development of our club so get buying your season tickets. Next season may be rough but I've got every faith in the following season and the one after that. COYB

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monobrow man says...
8:59am Fri 16 Nov 12

It's not a case of anybody expecting to even get in the top 8, Francis Cummins says with one more prop we will be fine, I personally don't think so ( though my coaching experience is 3 training sessions and 1 game at under 12s ) if we are to even compete next year 2 more average props are a must.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
9:08am Fri 16 Nov 12

Replace the word experienced for old and unwanted, whoever comes in will be cheap, scruton will be injured at some point as will curly so expect the young lad from wire to get an early run out. As mumby said won't finish top 8 and that is a fact you will have to get used to, average team who will be fighting wooden spoon for next few years and fighting relegation after 2015.

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Archie's Ghost says...
9:09am Fri 16 Nov 12

monobrow man wrote:
It's not a case of anybody expecting to even get in the top 8, Francis Cummins says with one more prop we will be fine, I personally don't think so ( though my coaching experience is 3 training sessions and 1 game at under 12s ) if we are to even compete next year 2 more average props are a must.
Correct, we are not talking abut Civoneciva we are talking about who's available because with the squad as it stands we are 2 injuries and a suspension from Olbison or even Bateman packing down at open side prop.

It's not structures or tactics, it's basic adding up.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
9:12am Fri 16 Nov 12

I bet the players are well chuffed Mumbly and co writing them off before a ball is kicked. Wait for viking to come back and show some belief, did I say belief I meant bullturd.

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AdeyG'man says...
9:17am Fri 16 Nov 12

I'm not worried. Langley at prop makes sense. Opens the 13 position for the likes of Addy, Bateman and Donaldson...a bit more creativity and Langley gets to do what he does best.
I would have preferred another frontrower in the 24-26/27 bracket rather than the 29+. I can see it being Netherton from Hull KR

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MeccaBingo1 says...
9:39am Fri 16 Nov 12

Lanley if used as prop will last a few games.

Scrotum will not make it past pre season game.

Nas is a very good player but is going to be asked to do too much.

Ben Even is an unknown.

I've read everything FC has said since he took top job and like his honest manner, but his statement today is a joke.
Good luck because we are going to get battered this year up the middle

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MeccaBingo1 says...
9:42am Fri 16 Nov 12

AdeyG'man wrote:
I'm not worried. Langley at prop makes sense. Opens the 13 position for the likes of Addy, Bateman and Donaldson...a bit more creativity and Langley gets to do what he does best.
I would have preferred another frontrower in the 24-26/27 bracket rather than the 29+. I can see it being Netherton from Hull KR
"Langley gets to do what he does best"

What be injured!!!

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Solomon Grundy says...
9:47am Fri 16 Nov 12

Archie is right I'm afraid. This has shades of a McNamara squad all over it, not enough numbers and not enough SIZE to compete. The first thing Potter did and understood was that you need a full roster and you need some beef in there.

The front row situation is a disaster waiting to happen. Scruton - how many games can we rely on him for? 10? We have no idea if he'll be the player of old even then. Langley is a back rower who has also had injury issues. Will he really play 25 games at prop in SL? I can't see it. So that leaves Nas, Evans & 1 nameless other.

If we're unlucky and lose Nas for a lengthy spell it's entirely feasible that we will have nobody for the front row. In this league that means 60 point hidings, and that';s not being doom and gloom because it's what happened under the blagger McNamara.

Thus far I have to agree, Francis is not looking like he gets it. Four starting forwards out, three of them front rows, and a boy from warrington reserves who's never played 1 game in???

Come off it mate!!

I'm genuinely worried we'll get mullered, I hope we don't but it's entirely possible.

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Steam Pigs says...
9:50am Fri 16 Nov 12

Omar must of been spoilt for choice when deciding his new coach a few month back
Seems the T&A forum is littered with suitably qualified and experienced coaches!!

Did you all apply???

Have faith, be patient, ignore the troll, and say "I told you so" next June IF we are short as you all think

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
10:50am Fri 16 Nov 12

And you will apologise when I am right then Steam pigs ?

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liverpoolbull says...
10:54am Fri 16 Nov 12

So what if we get a few hidings , you have to have a team to get hiding, thanks to OK we have one , let FC find his feet 2013 and build for2014 , if your a true fan you will have patience , as for the rest go to football , we don't want you

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barbarian mike says...
11:13am Fri 16 Nov 12

liverpoolbull wrote:
So what if we get a few hidings , you have to have a team to get hiding, thanks to OK we have one , let FC find his feet 2013 and build for2014 , if your a true fan you will have patience , as for the rest go to football , we don't want you
Well said, couldnt have put it better. Some people just don't get it!they would still find something to winge about even if we had a squad that was top 4 material! I'm with you, just made up I get to go watch my team play at all after last year, regardless of the results!

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
11:30am Fri 16 Nov 12

Talking of which I have just seen Mumbly and Viking going into Odsal to get their tickets for the wine tasting evening,

Who is more qualified when it comes to whine :-p

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bullybullman says...
12:03pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Or Mason from Hudderfield !

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els1959 says...
12:04pm Fri 16 Nov 12

barbarian mike wrote:
liverpoolbull wrote: So what if we get a few hidings , you have to have a team to get hiding, thanks to OK we have one , let FC find his feet 2013 and build for2014 , if your a true fan you will have patience , as for the rest go to football , we don't want you
Well said, couldnt have put it better. Some people just don't get it!they would still find something to winge about even if we had a squad that was top 4 material! I'm with you, just made up I get to go watch my team play at all after last year, regardless of the results!
Yes the Bulls fans not wearing the blinkers knew from the moment the truth came out about our problems that if we survived we were set for a tough year or two. Well we're still in SL so now have to cut our cloth accordingly. I too see that we look weak in the prop area but the best ones will go to the best clubs. I would like us to get a couple more in with experience but our financial situation probably means we will only get one more on board. I'm afraid we'll have to live with that for now. The fact we are on 1 year probation surely also means that any player on the market will sign elsewhere if offered a longer contract. Let's be realistic it's going to be a bumpy ride for a season or two

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Bone_idle18 says...
12:41pm Fri 16 Nov 12

We're more like a team that has just gained entry to SL after the situation we were in, except we are probably a better team that most who gain entry already.

All we need to achieve in the next year is financial stability and prove we are capable of retaining the SL licence (which we will), nothing else matters.

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Prycey says...
12:51pm Fri 16 Nov 12

I totally agree that we are looking decidedly weak up front and we are heading for some hidings this year. I also believe that Franny was put in this position and the fact he was given a three year contract probably shows that they know this first year is going to be tough. If we had endless money who on earth could he sign right now? It will be the second and third year when we see how good he is as a coach. Everyone should prepare for a very unpredictable ride next year. I am concerned for this first year since near death but will not panic and start shouting the odds at this early stage in our long road to recovery. Let’s give it a couple of seasons before that. Corporal Jones died last week but I can still hear him shouting “don’t panic, don’t panic”.

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Prycey says...
12:53pm Fri 16 Nov 12

I totally agree that we are looking decidedly weak up front and we are heading for some hidings this year. I also believe that Franny was put in this position and the fact he was given a three year contract probably shows that they know this first year is going to be tough. If we had endless money who on earth could he sign right now? It will be the second and third year when we see how good he is as a coach. Everyone should prepare for a very unpredictable ride next year. I am concerned for this first year since near death but will not panic and start shouting the odds at this early stage in our long road to recovery. Let’s give it a couple of seasons before that. Corporal Jones died last week but I can still hear him shouting “don’t panic, don’t panic”.

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OxenhopeBull says...
1:16pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Great to see nobody feeding the "Troll" FC will get it right, just be patient and give the guy time COYB

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Videoref says...
1:43pm Fri 16 Nov 12

What about Netherton & Mason? 1 is clubless and 1 is reportedly unhappy and well down the pecking order.
Gives us another option to cover injuries and still keeps us under the cap and within the budget I would think.

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Bfd-til-i-die says...
2:09pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Can anyone tell me when it was decided that we could not use Teamcard anymore to redeem points When I purchased my season ticket that was part of the incentive.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
2:20pm Fri 16 Nov 12

When that other company bulls holdings owned then quite conveniently

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rogerthat! says...
3:18pm Fri 16 Nov 12

bullybullman wrote:
Or Mason from Hudderfield !
No money in the pot for mason he's be on big bucks.

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Solomon Grundy says...
4:09pm Fri 16 Nov 12

This club should know by now better than any other that there is such a thing as a false economy.

Sign Mason & Netherton. There will be a lot less money in the pot if the hidings start to rack up and the walk up crown evaporates. Lose a thousand off the gate every week and you've lost a lot more than these guys will cost.

Sorry to harp on about but it's an absolutely fundamental error we are making, FC may not appreciate it but we fans have seen the precise same one made before by an inexperienced head coach and it cost this club massively.

This squad is wafer thin for the demands of SL.

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Solomon Grundy says...
4:11pm Fri 16 Nov 12

And that should say walk up CROWD not crown!

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Solomon Grundy says...
4:12pm Fri 16 Nov 12

And that should say walk up CROWD not crown!

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Tricky Dicky says...
4:24pm Fri 16 Nov 12

I agree we have all to get behind our coach but that doesn't mean on this site we cannot express our reservations or opinions. How long did we suffer the Hood and McNamara sychophants before reality dawned? Mr Cummins has a very tough job. He took it on knowing the situation. I wish him well and hope we have a relatively successful season. But, and it is a big but, he is very inexperienced. I've been there. He needs an experienced right-hand man but, I'm afraid, IMHO, Mr St Hillaire is not that person. I think Mr Cummins is placing too much faith on the Leeds old boys - Diskin, Scruton and Walker. It's good to see he is thinking of moving Langley up to the front row but all four aforementioned, as well as Manny, have been seriously injured. It's going to be a long, hard season. Hang in there.

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bbibby says...
4:24pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Bullybullman, whats the latest from the boadroom? Have we got any money left in the pot??? You are in the know!
What is clear we need 2 more props to cover for the injury prone as it is a long season

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Videoref says...
4:30pm Fri 16 Nov 12

rogerthat! wrote:
bullybullman wrote:
Or Mason from Hudderfield !
No money in the pot for mason he's be on big bucks.
If he's 6th in the pecking order at Giants, I would think they would be happy to loan him out then for the season if he is being paid that much. How can they have 6 props on megabucks (as Kopczac and Fielden won't have come cheap)and keep under the salary cap with their gates?

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raisemeup says...
5:03pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Strewth!!!

What are you going on about?

Suddenly the fortunes of our club ride on the back of a prop forward?
We have 3 recognised props and Langers who has the build to be an excellent prop.
We have top notch players a plenty, at Full back-Centres-Wing Front Row and back row..so what are you beefing about..
Frannie is looking to build a STAR team not a team of STARS..
Stop complaining, and griping about something that none of us know as yet.
We'll feel that much better after the first game!

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Tricky Dicky says...
5:06pm Fri 16 Nov 12

raisemeup wrote:
Strewth!!!

What are you going on about?

Suddenly the fortunes of our club ride on the back of a prop forward?
We have 3 recognised props and Langers who has the build to be an excellent prop.
We have top notch players a plenty, at Full back-Centres-Wing Front Row and back row..so what are you beefing about..
Frannie is looking to build a STAR team not a team of STARS..
Stop complaining, and griping about something that none of us know as yet.
We'll feel that much better after the first game!
Or worse!

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-HCK3R- says...
6:06pm Fri 16 Nov 12

What happened to "the most important thing is the survival of the club" quotes from a few months ago ? ....come on people get real we are lucky to have a club at all never mind how many props we've got !....

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
6:33pm Fri 16 Nov 12

It's a ridiculous situation, Will be too late once season starts as no one left,

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Shelfrhino says...
6:36pm Fri 16 Nov 12

Oh dear, thought viking said you were in the money, in the s*** more like.

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monkey belly says...
8:37pm Fri 16 Nov 12

paleasena is available and has been talking to FC, at least he would be on the pitch more than young burgess was.
comments is he too old now.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
1:43am Sat 17 Nov 12

Ha ha Fecka ? My granny would do more time on pitch and she has been dead years

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HANLEY IS A LEGEND says...
12:38am Sun 18 Nov 12

bullsone03 wrote:
Having Jamie langley has a prop makes a lot of sense plenty of experience give the young ones someone to look upto
Well that's true.He's played like a Prop for the last 5 or 6 seasons?

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