Bradford Bulls winger Foster told to stay focused (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls winger Foster told to stay focused against old club St Helens

8:30am Friday 22nd February 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Francis Cummins will urge Jamie Foster to play it cool tomorrow as the Bulls winger prepares for an emotional reunion with St Helens.

Foster spent well over a decade at his home-town club and will face them for the first time in his career.

The 22-year-old fell out of favour at Langtree Park midway through last season after a nightmare performance at Bradford and joined Hull FC on loan in the second half of the campaign.

He impressed during his time at the KC Stadium and was recruited by the Bulls on a one-year deal during the off-season.

Cummins said: “It’s probably more of a mental thing for Jamie this week.

“He’s just got to forget about all the St Helens stuff, which is all around him, and just focus on his own game.

“That means catching the ball, bringing it back and doing his job.

“If he does that I’ll be more than happy because this is another test for him now.

“He’s one of those players who probably takes a bit of stick anyway wherever he goes, just because of the way he looks with his hairstyles.

“But that’s what you need to deal with as a professional. You’ve just got to get on with it.”

With Luke Gale out injured, Foster impressed at full back during pre-season and in the opening-day win over Wakefield.

But a knee injury to Michael Platt in round two at Hull has seen Foster switched back to his customary position on the left wing.

Cummins added: “I’ve got two genuinely good full backs but Brett Kearney is my best full back, without a doubt.

“I’ve got to play the best players in their best positions but Jamie can still play an important role on the wing.

“It was really pleasing against Castleford last weekend because they made half a break, Brett Kearney came into the corner to make a tackle and Jamie Foster was straight in covering at full back.

“That tells me he’s a rugby league player and he’s concentrating. Long may it continue.”

Meanwhile, Bulls Under-19s were hammered 76-6 at home to St Helens last night.

First-team squad member Sam Wood gained their only consolation with a fine individual try.