Giants 24 Bulls 12 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Yes, it's only 1st game of the season, but the same old problems seem to remain.

Trying to offload too early in the tackle count, often when in our own half, thus surrendering possession and putting our opponents in good field position.

There was also a lack of imagination going forward with not enough dummy runners, and people running on the angles.

It's obviously very early days yet, but it is a big season for McNamara, as I don't think Hood will be as patient with him if we have a similar start as the last campaign.

well, not the start we wanted, in fact i thought we were poor for most of the 1st half but then started to look better as the game went on, I think the coaches need to look at the defence out wide, their 1st couple of trys highlighted that our defence was far too slow to shift left having been dragged to the right. i, At least there was some commitment and they kept battling to the end, i thought we could have done better when they were twice down to 12 men. there were some encouraging signs but we need to cut out the handling errors, there were far too many, but its early days and i am sure there will be some improvements to come,

Can't any Bradford sport team win anymore?

Well, I forecast a 36-16 Bulls win, and could not have got it more wrong. We have all been Hood – winked yet again.

In contrast to the dire tribe of last term, we clearly possess a gifted ball handling half back, though he will be completely wasted, if the remaining twelve donkeys and cart horses cannot catch a pass.

Two coaches in this City go by the name of ‘Macca’ – and both should be relieved of their duties. Compared to the likes of a Brian Smith, McNamara is way out of his depth. Coaching Hunslet is more his level.

A workmanlike Huddersfield side, down to twelve players for twenty minutes of the game, outscored Bulls by just one try. In reality, they were twenty odd points better than us.

The Bulls following created much noise and a feeling of optimism during the game. How sad it was to witness many of them quietly leaving, five minutes from time – along with me.

All the usual excuses will be rolled out on here- and by McNamara; but they, like he, do not have any. “It is early days, and we need time to gel as a team.” Well, so did Huddersfield and Castleford. “The weather inhibited our training schedule” like it did Huddersfield and Castleford. “We didn’t get the decisions from the referee.” Well, for once Ganson gave us the vast majority of his decisions. For God’s sake Macca and Hood just come out and say you aren’t good enough- and go.

With a couple of cup ties, we shall have around fifteen home games this season, during which, me and many other fans will expect to fork out around £400 in admission and other add-ons. If you’re reading this Mr. Hood, your club will not see one more penny from me, until you have dispensed with McNamara, and replaced him with someone of quality.

Congratulations are due to Castleford. Tonight they have proved that ‘super’ teams no longer exist. This so called Super League is now dominated by such average teams as Huddersfield and Castleford, whilst the Bulls have fallen into the category of mediocre- thank you Red Hall, Hood and Macca.

Finally, following each try tonight I counted NINE other people – including a cameraman, run onto the pitch. What the hell is that all about? – Thank you Sky.

And finally, having praised Menzies on here the other day, tonight – along with rest, he was a passenger. What a waste of talent and experience.

ps as expected, the ‘it’s only the first game’ brigade are out in force again. This is season number four and a half for Macca, and we have declined season on season – get rid.

I predicted this score and was pleased with the effort from the lads. We were on top for most of the decond half against a quality well drilled team. Unlike some I take a lot of positives from tonight performance and I ithink we will see the real quality of the team after a few more matches. I also think that not many teams will win at Huddersfield this season. Now had we played Cas and lost at home I would be feeling a little more deflated!

Disappointing but not a disaster. I obviously couldn't get to see the match (and judging by the weather forecast, not many there did!) The question I ask is, "Were there signs of better days to come"? These players will need time to "gel" and unfortunately, nowadays, that is the norm at the start of a season at Odsal but were there green shoots, the unbridled optimism that Mr Hood espoused at the forum this week (although his comment on the Sporting Village made me giggle)? Were there facets and cameos of the new training and coaching regime at Odsal? Give them till the end of February before castigating them and maybe a bit longer for our Aussie contigent as I am sure they have never experienced playing in ever-changing, usually cold, damp and miserable British weather before. Roll on the next match. And with Leeds turned over by Cas 9at home), it wasn't that bad a Friday night after all!

As the previous posters commented, not the start we wanted. Unfortunately, the amount of field position that we had, we could not convert into points even with Huddersfield down to 10 men.
The problem this evening was that our main pivotal player didn't manage to create any attacking chances which we were all looking forward to.
As I said, the amount of possession that was given to the bulls through numerous penalties and 2 failures from the Giants to kick the ball in to touch resulted in dropped balls and silly mistakes however, saying that, the tries that we scored were from resulting penalties which were taken well and the defence wasn't that bad.
One of the main problems were that when we did attack the line, there wasn't much creativity apart from the crossfield kick that resulted in the try for Sherriffe however, I cannot recall many kicks over the line which would have put the Giants under pressure but I am sure that this is something that they will be looking at.
2 of the players that stood out for me were Langley who was strong and took the ball up well and had possibly the best game for a long while and also Sherriffe. He took his 2 tries well and also brought the ball forward strongly to take the pressure off of the forwards.
All in all it wasn't a bad performance and there were quite a few positives for Macca to take away however, saying that, he needs to take these positives and put them into practice or else we could have another hiccup next week.
COYB

Tricky Dicky wrote:
Disappointing but not a disaster. I obviously couldn't get to see the match (and judging by the weather forecast, not many there did!) The question I ask is, "Were there signs of better days to come"? These players will need time to "gel" and unfortunately, nowadays, that is the norm at the start of a season at Odsal but were there green shoots, the unbridled optimism that Mr Hood espoused at the forum this week (although his comment on the Sporting Village made me giggle)? Were there facets and cameos of the new training and coaching regime at Odsal? Give them till the end of February before castigating them and maybe a bit longer for our Aussie contigent as I am sure they have never experienced playing in ever-changing, usually cold, damp and miserable British weather before. Roll on the next match. And with Leeds turned over by Cas 9at home), it wasn't that bad a Friday night after all!

Now then Tricky, it was a dire night in respect of the weather but the performance wasn't too bad.
As you commented, the players will need time to gel and the supporters shouldn't be ringing the alarm bells just yet, saying that, I was on the opposite side to the Bulls supporters and one thing that was pleasing for me is that they were getting behind the guys even though we were losing, which was great.
As you said, it wasn't a bad night all in all what with Cas turning over Leeds which did bring a tear to my eye ( with laughter of course lol ) but there were a lot of positives to take out of the game, let's hope you make it for the 1st home game.

Agreed with most of comments above. On reflection this morning, I believe we seemed a bit "under cooked" again.It said it all to me that my M.O.M was Jamie Langley who was first class with "I Shot the Sherriff not far behind.Both Players played really well.I think Hall should concentrate as much on trying to catch the ball as he does in growing his "tash".Again this season there seems to be too much "one out football" and then panic stations when we get near the oppositions try line.
As a proffessional side we drop far too much ball to win close games.Even though Hodgson did two brilliant kicks for their first couple of tries again the cover defence was non existant.Next week we have to just get back to the basics.Hold the ball for six tackles ,kick well turning Wellans and the Saints cover defence round and continue to tackle well like we did for most of this game and not keep switching off when the opposition is attacking our wings.
One note though. We will get better.I think we have just got to raise the bar a little and we wont be far off...

Kyiv wrote:
Well, I forecast a 36-16 Bulls win, and could not have got it more wrong. We have all been Hood – winked yet again. In contrast to the dire tribe of last term, we clearly possess a gifted ball handling half back, though he will be completely wasted, if the remaining twelve donkeys and cart horses cannot catch a pass. Two coaches in this City go by the name of ‘Macca’ – and both should be relieved of their duties. Compared to the likes of a Brian Smith, McNamara is way out of his depth. Coaching Hunslet is more his level. A workmanlike Huddersfield side, down to twelve players for twenty minutes of the game, outscored Bulls by just one try. In reality, they were twenty odd points better than us. The Bulls following created much noise and a feeling of optimism during the game. How sad it was to witness many of them quietly leaving, five minutes from time – along with me. All the usual excuses will be rolled out on here- and by McNamara; but they, like he, do not have any. “It is early days, and we need time to gel as a team.” Well, so did Huddersfield and Castleford. “The weather inhibited our training schedule” like it did Huddersfield and Castleford. “We didn’t get the decisions from the referee.” Well, for once Ganson gave us the vast majority of his decisions. For God’s sake Macca and Hood just come out and say you aren’t good enough- and go. With a couple of cup ties, we shall have around fifteen home games this season, during which, me and many other fans will expect to fork out around £400 in admission and other add-ons. If you’re reading this Mr. Hood, your club will not see one more penny from me, until you have dispensed with McNamara, and replaced him with someone of quality. Congratulations are due to Castleford. Tonight they have proved that ‘super’ teams no longer exist. This so called Super League is now dominated by such average teams as Huddersfield and Castleford, whilst the Bulls have fallen into the category of mediocre- thank you Red Hall, Hood and Macca. Finally, following each try tonight I counted NINE other people – including a cameraman, run onto the pitch. What the hell is that all about? – Thank you Sky. And finally, having praised Menzies on here the other day, tonight – along with rest, he was a passenger. What a waste of talent and experience. ps as expected, the ‘it’s only the first game’ brigade are out in force again. This is season number four and a half for Macca, and we have declined season on season – get rid.

Good post - I too feel your frustration, this was the one game where we had to fire on all cylinders to fire a shot of intent for the coming season. What are these positives we are suposed to take ? We were out played in every position ! we were slow ! uncreative !
I feel that the only way forward is to get rid of Macca. Lets be honest we have a good squad this time but Orford was not class last night , Reardon was so far out of position in defense its a mirical Cudjoe didnt score 5. The tactics were poor the game plan ? did we have one ? it all points to the coach same old Bradford always up the middle silly offloads no flair. I love this club & am in disaray at last nights woeful performance.

Early days, I would have liked a win but Hudds will be very tough for any team at the Galpharm this season.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is Jamie Langley's penalty count, if he could sort this out he would be our best player week in week out ! Roll on next week.