Jamie Foster ready to put hand up for Bradford Bulls full back role

8:20am Monday 3rd December 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Jamie Foster, pictured during a successful loan spell at Hull last season, could prove an invaluable addition to the Bulls squad due to his versatility Jamie Foster, pictured during a successful loan spell at Hull last season, could prove an invaluable addition to the Bulls squad due to his versatility

Jamie Foster has declared himself ready and willing to fill in at full back if required this coming season.

The 22-year-old recently joined the Bulls from St Helens on a one-year deal and has adapted well to his new surroundings.

Although a winger primarily, Foster’s versatility gives coach Francis Cummins the option of deploying him at full back should Brett Kearney be pushed into the halves to deputise for the injured Luke Gale.

Scrum half Gale is recuperating after an ankle operation and facing a race against time for the Super League opener at home to Wakefield on February 3.

Foster said: “I played full back for years at Academy level with St Helens.

“It would probably take me a couple of sessions in the week to get a feel for it again. But if Franny asked me to play there, then I certainly don’t think it’s beyond me.

“Fielding the ball and reading the game at full back is not too dissimilar to playing on the wing. I think I’d quite enjoy looking up the middle, sniffing round the forwards and using my footwork to spot an opening.

“At full back you can make things happen, whereas at times on the wing you can feel a little isolated. Even if you’re bang in form, if the ball isn’t coming to you on the wing then you’re just not going to do it.

“I definitely wouldn’t mind the full back role, I really wouldn’t. If Franny asked me if I fancied it then I’d definitely be the first one to put my hand up.”

Kearney enjoyed an outstanding 2012 campaign, weighing in with 15 tries and eight assists as well as proving an assured presence in defence.

Foster says he will turn to Kearney for advice on the role should he be required to play there. He will also speak to former St Helens team-mate and close friend Paul Wellens, who has arguably been the finest full back of the Super League era.

“Paul Wellens is an unbelievable player and one of the best mentors you could ever wish for,” said Foster.

“He’s a good mate of mine. I still speak to him regularly and we play a lot of golf together.

“It’s his approach to his game as much as anything. He doesn’t just wake up in the morning and think ‘I’m going to be full back’.

“He puts in a lot of hard work behind the scenes because there’s a lot that goes with playing at full back – video work that I wouldn’t have to take on board when I play on the wing.

“You have to be aware of everything happening on the field but playing there is something I’d relish doing, without doubt.”

Comments(15)

flashdonut says...
8:38am Mon 3 Dec 12

Or, maybe, we go a little crazy and sign a third half.
.
BK at 6, Foster at 1, Platt on Wing, Whitehead at Centre, Langley at Prop and Bullman at loose.
.
This patching up has a limit. We are in danger of tainging it too far.

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flashdonut says...
8:44am Mon 3 Dec 12

* taking it too far

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Mumby was the best says...
8:47am Mon 3 Dec 12

It`s another T&A non story filler

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Shipley Paul says...
12:17pm Mon 3 Dec 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
It`s another T&A non story filler
Spot on Mumby. There's not a great deal going on for a while that hasn't been covered, and any how most clubs play men out of regular position all the time. Rotating goes on throughout every game now.

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Parz says...
12:20pm Mon 3 Dec 12

I don't see too much of an issue. As he says, playing full back and playing wing isn't that different, so long as he gets his positioning right.

And as a replacement for him, I thought Platt did pretty well outside Purtell last year. he's strong, an agressive runner and fairly quick. I reckon he could do a good job for us outside a good centre.

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nosher says...
12:37pm Mon 3 Dec 12

Fair play to the lad, that is what is needed in a small squad. Multi skilling is the way forward.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
12:38pm Mon 3 Dec 12

Mumby was the best wrote:
It`s another T&A non story filler
More like it's another Mumbly moanathon.

Grow up Mumbly.

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Bone_idle18 says...
1:22pm Mon 3 Dec 12

All teams do patching up. didn't manly win the Grand final a few years back after playing most of the season with Beaver at Stand off?

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Bone_idle18 says...
1:23pm Mon 3 Dec 12

I'm starting to like what foster is saying, he seems keen, I think he wants to show what he's capable of.

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mumbyfan says...
2:41pm Mon 3 Dec 12

ifallwerelikemumby wrote:
Mumby was the best wrote:
It`s another T&A non story filler
More like it's another Mumbly moanathon.

Grow up Mumbly.
Im the original Mumby.

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ifallwerelikemumby says...
8:07pm Mon 3 Dec 12

And ?

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Meningascoming says...
9:48pm Mon 3 Dec 12

Foster is vulnerable when the pressure is on - remember he lost the plot against the Bulls last year - the start of his demise at Saints - leave him on the wing!

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stubullsfan says...
10:35pm Mon 3 Dec 12

mmmm i think there was a lot more to Fosters demise than a bad game against us but I do feel he is a little inexperinced in the position. Full back is a make or break position in both attack and defence so a couple of training sessions is a bit optimistic. For me, BK needs leaving at full back and let Foster cover if required.

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oddshapedballs says...
8:08am Tue 4 Dec 12

another t and a non story, will u shut the f up whinging its the closed season for gods sake. the t and a get slated for being late with their reports yet whrn they display internal news whingers complain again. I for one would rather read what is being discussed than read nothing

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Bone_idle18 says...
12:34pm Tue 4 Dec 12

Zak Hardaker did a good job at FB for Leeds, a position he wasn't generally associated with.

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