Macca: Defeat was so cruel on us (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

What a fantastic game shame about the poor ref again but I have to say he was not bias just poor. The Bulls again made silly mistakes in times of pressure & it was this that cost us. Sam made some big misses while trying to make big hits & Beever made to big errors too.Riki Sheriffe was caught out too many time in defense down that left hand side in the first half also. Saying that the boys put their all in to it & we have no shame with this result.

£20.00 quid to get in £2.70 a pint rip off Rhinos.Is £20.00 the usual admission price or did we get a special deal ?

How frustrating not to be there. It seemed from the commentary on radio Weeds (quite good actually as Jason Demetriou was part of it and pretty pro Bulls)... that Bulls played long spells without the ball. In fact in the first 15 mins it seemed we only had the ball for one set of six.

Bulls are so close to being a top side and really only need 2 or three players to transform them. So come on Macca but please!! Not more forwards!.

The Bulls defence was great on the whole last night - although our right got exposed in the first half. It's all well and good blaming Sheriffe, but others were involved too.

I want to see two refs now like in Aus, either that, or see the Bulls exploint the short forward pass like L**** do. It's obvious that it's a ploy because they do it too often for it not to be, it makes tries look like "a piece of individual brilliance" instead of being ruled out for what they are - non-tries.

Agree with a previouds poster about Bentham - not bent, just rubbish.

I still struggle to see how a ball that goes backwards from a tackle (by a long way), can be a knock-on, one of the big decisions of the game for me.

Like Haitch says, on a good day we are as good as the best. Last night was not a 13 point game. Just a bit more tweaking with the backs.

Proud as heck COME ON YOU BULLS

Actually there is much work to do and whilst Bulls can turn on th style, they are technically poor in defence.
From 18 games played (including the cup) they have shipped more than 20 points against, on no fewer than 12 occasions including that embarrasing 30 points by Celtic.

The only side they have nilled is Whithaven in the pre season friendly.

To say they played 'well' against Saints and L**ds speaks only of some enterprising attacking and overlooks the fact they shipped almost 80 points in the process.

Is it the case Macca is far from the finished aricle or that his team are?

Sorry for the reality check!

Bentham is way out of his depth at this level and needs to be dropped down a few divisions until he learns the rules fully and without bias.
I for one wish Macca would have the nuts to go to Red Hall and question dummy cummings about the treatment we received yet again from the ref (as with Saints last week), we get nothing, we get no 50/50 decisions, we have tries disallowed for no good reason etc etc

We opened them up plenty last night and with a little more guile we would have won easy...Tez was shattered and we missed Rinaldi, Sykes had a great game for me but once again Maccas substitutions were pathetic, he takes off Cook who was tackling everything, he takes of Worrincey who was playing well in defence and attack, why does he make these elemental errors week in week out?
We must regroup and perform same against Cas and we should take the spoils, depending who is the ref!

haitch wrote:
Actually there is much work to do and whilst Bulls can turn on th style, they are technically poor in defence. From 18 games played (including the cup) they have shipped more than 20 points against, on no fewer than 12 occasions including that embarrasing 30 points by Celtic. The only side they have nilled is Whithaven in the pre season friendly. To say they played 'well' against Saints and L**ds speaks only of some enterprising attacking and overlooks the fact they shipped almost 80 points in the process. Is it the case Macca is far from the finished aricle or that his team are? Sorry for the reality check!

Hi Haitch,

No, not the finished article, hence the reference to the weakness down the right. For long spells, we pinned them well back in their half for a number of sets leaving them having to kick from their 40 - usually straight to Halley, who returned usually to our 40 or thereabouts. But, then we let them through at other times when we shouldn't have.

Also, as we all know, our backs are not the best. This is evident as the majority of our attacks were predictable, but still some sparkling runs/tries/disallowe
d tries.

No Haitch, not the finisheed article.

I suppose what we are all saying is that at least last night the guys fought hard, were effective for large parts of the game, and but for an inept ref, who was obviously affected by the home crowd, it could have been different.

By the way, we also made some shocking decisions at crucial times.

Summary - proud of their effort, all is not lost, but some way to go. COYB!

BrisBull wrote:

haitch wrote: Actually there is much work to do and whilst Bulls can turn on th style, they are technically poor in defence. From 18 games played (including the cup) they have shipped more than 20 points against, on no fewer than 12 occasions including that embarrasing 30 points by Celtic. The only side they have nilled is Whithaven in the pre season friendly. To say they played 'well' against Saints and L**ds speaks only of some enterprising attacking and overlooks the fact they shipped almost 80 points in the process. Is it the case Macca is far from the finished aricle or that his team are? Sorry for the reality check!

Hi Haitch, No, not the finished article, hence the reference to the weakness down the right. For long spells, we pinned them well back in their half for a number of sets leaving them having to kick from their 40 - usually straight to Halley, who returned usually to our 40 or thereabouts. But, then we let them through at other times when we shouldn't have. Also, as we all know, our backs are not the best. This is evident as the majority of our attacks were predictable, but still some sparkling runs/tries/disallowe d tries. No Haitch, not the finisheed article. I suppose what we are all saying is that at least last night the guys fought hard, were effective for large parts of the game, and but for an inept ref, who was obviously affected by the home crowd, it could have been different. By the way, we also made some shocking decisions at crucial times. Summary - proud of their effort, all is not lost, but some way to go. COYB!

Hi Bris-Bill. My comments of course were not in any way directed at your post.

Yes it appears the lads can really shine on attack but where the organisation in defence has gone is a mystery.

Effort is all important. If they are not good enough to win then go down fighting and the fans can't ask for more from the selected players.

haitch wrote:

BrisBull wrote:

haitch wrote: Actually there is much work to do and whilst Bulls can turn on th style, they are technically poor in defence. From 18 games played (including the cup) they have shipped more than 20 points against, on no fewer than 12 occasions including that embarrasing 30 points by Celtic. The only side they have nilled is Whithaven in the pre season friendly. To say they played 'well' against Saints and L**ds speaks only of some enterprising attacking and overlooks the fact they shipped almost 80 points in the process. Is it the case Macca is far from the finished aricle or that his team are? Sorry for the reality check!

Hi Haitch, No, not the finished article, hence the reference to the weakness down the right. For long spells, we pinned them well back in their half for a number of sets leaving them having to kick from their 40 - usually straight to Halley, who returned usually to our 40 or thereabouts. But, then we let them through at other times when we shouldn't have. Also, as we all know, our backs are not the best. This is evident as the majority of our attacks were predictable, but still some sparkling runs/tries/disallowe d tries. No Haitch, not the finisheed article. I suppose what we are all saying is that at least last night the guys fought hard, were effective for large parts of the game, and but for an inept ref, who was obviously affected by the home crowd, it could have been different. By the way, we also made some shocking decisions at crucial times. Summary - proud of their effort, all is not lost, but some way to go. COYB!

Hi Bris-Bill. My comments of course were not in any way directed at your post. Yes it appears the lads can really shine on attack but where the organisation in defence has gone is a mystery. Effort is all important. If they are not good enough to win then go down fighting and the fans can't ask for more from the selected players.

I'm all for a good debate Haitch, same as you.

Interestingly, as we were in the traffic out of Sheddingley, the guys on Radio Weeds were summing up, and when asked who he had thought was going to win when it had been 20-20, the guest said he thought at that stage the Bulls were goingt to win. Speaks volumes for how close the game was right to the end.

A load of balls from Macca, it was only 8 months ago that he was calling for video refs to be scrapped at all super league games, now he's whinging that there wasn't one at the game. Make your mind up Steve.

The reason we didnt win was because the team conceded way to many points before they decided we were going to start playin.

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote:
A load of balls from Macca, it was only 8 months ago that he was calling for video refs to be scrapped at all super league games, now he's whinging that there wasn't one at the game. Make your mind up Steve. The reason we didnt win was because the team conceded way to many points before they decided we were going to start playin.

Your reason we didn't win is cods - I've even got mates who thought L**** were going to lose until the death.

It wasn't perfect but it wasn't as bad as you paint it - or were you stood in another part of the ground from me?

By all means criticise, but not just for the sake of it.

BrisBull wrote:

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote: A load of balls from Macca, it was only 8 months ago that he was calling for video refs to be scrapped at all super league games, now he's whinging that there wasn't one at the game. Make your mind up Steve. The reason we didnt win was because the team conceded way to many points before they decided we were going to start playin.

Your reason we didn't win is cods - I've even got mates who thought L**** were going to lose until the death. It wasn't perfect but it wasn't as bad as you paint it - or were you stood in another part of the ground from me? By all means criticise, but not just for the sake of it.

But how wrong your mates were. I was stood in the west terrace, dont know where you were though, so possibly was, yes.

I'm not critiicising for the sake of it, Macca didn't want video refs, now he says he's a big fan of them..whats going on?

The reason we lost, is because we gave Leeds to many easy points before we started to play, as Macca says, we gave ourselves to big of a mountain to climb.

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote:

BrisBull wrote:

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote: A load of balls from Macca, it was only 8 months ago that he was calling for video refs to be scrapped at all super league games, now he's whinging that there wasn't one at the game. Make your mind up Steve. The reason we didnt win was because the team conceded way to many points before they decided we were going to start playin.

Your reason we didn't win is cods - I've even got mates who thought L**** were going to lose until the death. It wasn't perfect but it wasn't as bad as you paint it - or were you stood in another part of the ground from me? By all means criticise, but not just for the sake of it.

But how wrong your mates were. I was stood in the west terrace, dont know where you were though, so possibly was, yes. I'm not critiicising for the sake of it, Macca didn't want video refs, now he says he's a big fan of them..whats going on? The reason we lost, is because we gave Leeds to many easy points before we started to play, as Macca says, we gave ourselves to big of a mountain to climb.

Or if you want to really keep it simple - they scored more points than we did!

Is that correct enough for you?

BrisBull wrote:

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote:

BrisBull wrote:

Steve Mac for the Sack wrote: A load of balls from Macca, it was only 8 months ago that he was calling for video refs to be scrapped at all super league games, now he's whinging that there wasn't one at the game. Make your mind up Steve. The reason we didnt win was because the team conceded way to many points before they decided we were going to start playin.

Your reason we didn't win is cods - I've even got mates who thought L**** were going to lose until the death. It wasn't perfect but it wasn't as bad as you paint it - or were you stood in another part of the ground from me? By all means criticise, but not just for the sake of it.

But how wrong your mates were. I was stood in the west terrace, dont know where you were though, so possibly was, yes. I'm not critiicising for the sake of it, Macca didn't want video refs, now he says he's a big fan of them..whats going on? The reason we lost, is because we gave Leeds to many easy points before we started to play, as Macca says, we gave ourselves to big of a mountain to climb.

Or if you want to really keep it simple - they scored more points than we did! Is that correct enough for you?

Seems about right, you should go for the simple option more often.

BrisBull wrote:
The Bulls defence was great on the whole last night - although our right got exposed in the first half. It's all well and good blaming Sheriffe, but others were involved too. I want to see two refs now like in Aus, either that, or see the Bulls exploint the short forward pass like L**** do. It's obvious that it's a ploy because they do it too often for it not to be, it makes tries look like "a piece of individual brilliance" instead of being ruled out for what they are - non-tries. Agree with a previouds poster about Bentham - not bent, just rubbish. I still struggle to see how a ball that goes backwards from a tackle (by a long way), can be a knock-on, one of the big decisions of the game for me. Like Haitch says, on a good day we are as good as the best. Last night was not a 13 point game. Just a bit more tweaking with the backs. Proud as heck COME ON YOU BULLS

Very entertaining game. Great for the neutral!

People trying to blame one player again..if Sheriffe had been given that try - which even Danny Maguire said was a try - he'd have been a hero! So what if Hall scored 2 tries down that side? Leeds score them anywhere on the line. Sheriffe also made a tackle on Hall when he was away in the first half..straight away leeds made the error with senior knocking on! All the players in the last 10 minutes just couldn't keep going. And most of them fell off tackles which is why leeds won. I seem to remember Halley dropping off a player about 15 - 20 metres from the line - so it's not just one player.
But so what, he's human!

At the end of the day there are positives the team can take from the game and work on. They've taken a massive step forward since the start of the season.

And lastly all the Bulls supporters that were there last night were in good voice! Kept behind the team all night!

lets be honest who actually thinks this current team is good enough to win anything ? the quotes and excuses from the players and coaching staff are becoming embarrasing, and the performances on the field are really no better now than the start of the season, I hope they go on to prove me wrong but I`ve been a supporter for too many years to know when a sesons over.

Cheer up t'old man I too am an ageing fan who can recognise the horrible finger of fate pointing at us.

This is the worst Bulls team and management since the start of Super League.

There are the optimists and the Knockers and somewhere in between there are the realists such as yourself. I must say the realists are winning hands down at present.

All the positives being heaped upon us week after week by Macca and the lads, telling us we are 'turning the corner' only serve to infuriate. Far better we were told the team are not performing to expectations and that many of the recently signed players are falling short of expectations. Also that the Halves and Centres need strengthening. Surely if Macca was to say he recognises the situation and tell us what his plans are for putting it right, we would all respect him for that?.

Improved effort in the last two games is welcome but as I have said before, we shipped in 77 points in the process. That in itself should help Macca to see just how far away the side still are.

I have always given full support to Macca in previous seasons but now find myself unable to do that. There is no plan, no strategy. No sense of direction to give the fans something to look forward to. The team is being built on forwards, many of questionable ability and the 'engine room' in the team is being sadly neglected.

A mention of interest in Craig Wing came from T&A and other sources but nothing from the Bulls. I fear it will need three Craig Wings to bring this team back to its former glory days.

No I don't have the answers, but neither would I come out each week and say we are turning the corner and that this side has much to offer.

Let's have more realists please and come on Macca just give us a clue that you at least have some of the answers

Well that's given you all a bit of something to read this Sunday morning!!

Cheer up.

i think you are joining the negative bregade haitch. our performances of late have been a vast improvement on the start of the season, so to maccas point, yes we are turning the corner, hence the win against wakey and wire. did we honestly expect to beat saints and whinos? i didn't and to lose by the margin we did against leeds on their turf and to hold them so close to the end is far better than i hoped for.
would we expect the club to say anything about craig wing? no we wouldn't, clubs don't come out and say anything until the signature is on the paper, otherwise people would be moaning about false promises.
only having one hooker against leeds isn't an ideal situation either.
so all in all i'm not too disheartened. the test will be the next few games, but as i have said before, there are no easy teams anymore and anyone who thinks we should beat certain teams are unrealistic and not give fair dues to the other teams.

No cj. Not the negative Brigade. As I said there are 'optomists' such as you, there are the 'knockers' we all know who they are and then there are the 'realists' who remember the 30 points Celtic scored and the 77 points shipped in the last 2 games. I don't see the green shoots at all and suspect the effort we saw against Leeds and Saints may well revert to the lack of effort we saw against Celtic. Time will tell.

I'm the biggest realist on here.

I was being realistic 2 seasons ago when I said Macca wouldn't cut it as Bulls coach and we were a sinking ship - Shot down in flames I was, but take a look at us now.

there is alot more to being a coach than just winning first team games you moaners. For example, like bringing through young players,an area which if you watch the gillette academy games, Macca is showing much success in! Like signing and retaining quality players, Lynch etc re-signing even though we are not at top of table. And a coach who knows the importance of remaining positive to encourage his squad. Oh yes it's dead easy to be a critical armchair coach you moaners!! Try being positive fans, you might even enjoy it?

bullybabe wrote:
there is alot more to being a coach than just winning first team games you moaners. For example, like bringing through young players,an area which if you watch the gillette academy games, Macca is showing much success in! Like signing and retaining quality players, Lynch etc re-signing even though we are not at top of table. And a coach who knows the importance of remaining positive to encourage his squad. Oh yes it's dead easy to be a critical armchair coach you moaners!! Try being positive fans, you might even enjoy it?

Brian Noble did all those things yet was kicked out of the club for no reason at all.

On top of that, he knew how to get his team playing well and how to win games.

Macca 4 the Sacka.

bullybabe wrote:
there is alot more to being a coach than just winning first team games you moaners. For example, like bringing through young players,an area which if you watch the gillette academy games, Macca is showing much success in! Like signing and retaining quality players, Lynch etc re-signing even though we are not at top of table. And a coach who knows the importance of remaining positive to encourage his squad. Oh yes it's dead easy to be a critical armchair coach you moaners!! Try being positive fans, you might even enjoy it?

Hi bullybabe. It's not moaning, its about being bored on a Sunday morning and trying to get some comment on the site.

After 50 years watching, staying positive gets difficult!! Glad you enjoy your Rugby League.

As much as I feel that Mr MacNamra is out of his depth and needs to be replaced, I know it is not going to happen. Peter Hood is not Ian Lenegan! However, above all, the single most important contributing factor in retaining players is success. A passionate and professional athlete feeds off winning. Regardless of Mr MacNamara's successes elsewhere, there can be no doubt that he has failed miserably in producing a winning team in this his fourth season in charge. Is it too early for us to judge him? Does he need more time for us to appreciate where he is taking this side? All we can do on here is debate what actions he could/should be taking in the hope that some may find their way through into his plans. Clearly, the immediate, pressing concern is to ensure the team is prepared mentally and physically for the game against Castleford. This is a must win game and there can be no excuses if a comfortable and competent victory is not achieved. We know they can talk the talk at Odsal but now we need them to walk the walk.
Finally, bullybabe, when your child's teacher is failing to achieve the results that your child's potential indicates remember to get off his back, give him more time and that he is trying his best!

But the first team are not children!!! They are all adults tricky-dicky. Infact the academy (who are children) are listening to their teacher and getting results. Good point TD maybe the class need to stick to their lesson plans, like their nursery classmates are??

Great Game Top Drawer Entertainment Gun Shine..I would gladly have paid £30 to watch that!

bullybabe wrote:
there is alot more to being a coach than just winning first team games you moaners. For example, like bringing through young players,an area which if you watch the gillette academy games, Macca is showing much success in! Like signing and retaining quality players, Lynch etc re-signing even though we are not at top of table. And a coach who knows the importance of remaining positive to encourage his squad. Oh yes it's dead easy to be a critical armchair coach you moaners!! Try being positive fans, you might even enjoy it?

and who are these acadamy players going to want to play for if they reach the top flight ? a mid-table mediocre bradford or a trophy winning top side ? sorry bullybabe its not about just being positive its about being realistic and the whole club is on a decline no matter how you look at it and unless drastic action is taken things will only get worse.