Sibbit back for new role at Bradford Bulls (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Ian Sibbit back for new role at Bradford Bulls

7:30am Friday 11th January 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Ian Sibbit is making a comeback with the Bulls – as a member of Francis Cummins’ match-day backroom staff.

Sibbit announced his retirement at the end of last season and has since started working as a personal trainer at M1 Health in Manchester.

The former second-rower, 32, has been invited by Cummins to assist with match-day operations and will be on hand at every home and away game this season.

Bulls coach Cummins said: “Ian has begun work as a personal trainer and been a keynote speaker to the top 100 Academy players in the country on behalf of the RFL.

“Lee St Hilaire will still be taking the warm-ups but Sib will be helping out and also relaying messages to the players during games.

“Sib is an old pro and can pick up on things, so he will provide some great feedback for me and Lee as we will be sitting together in the stand.

“The lads like Sib and he has their respect. He’s very calm. This is a good opportunity for him too as it maintains his profile in the game and keeps him involved.

“From my point of view, I’ve got someone I can trust who may well go on to other things.

“Mick (Potter) had two assistants last year in Lee and I but I’m going to have to do things a bit differently.”

Sibbit, who is poised to begin his new role in Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly at Dewsbury, is delighted to return to the club he served for two years before hanging up his boots at the end of 2012.

The popular Wiganer, who has been playing rugby union for Preston Grasshoppers, said: “I’ve always got on well with Franny and Lee.

“I’ve spoken to Franny a few times during the off-season and he rang me before Christmas to say he needed somebody to help out on match-days.

“It’s something which really appealed to me because I’ve been playing in Super League for 14 years and to just walk away is tough.

“I don’t think I’ll miss playing but I’m delighted to still be involved and especially with the fact it’s at Bradford.

“Even though I was only at Bradford for two years – and they were a tough two years, with injuries and administration – it’s a great club and I really enjoyed my time there. I’m just glad I can stay involved.”

* The Bulls squad were yesterday supplied with boots from sports footwear specialists XBlades UK.