Nick Scruton column

It was very disappointing for everyone to come away from the Magic Weekend without a win, especially against our closest rivals.

We simply weren’t smart enough in some areas and we let them play the rugby that we all know they are capable of.

If the defeat wasn’t bad enough, the game has really hit us hard injury-wise – losing five men in one round!

Disco and Koppy are out for three months, Elliot Kear and Chev Walker are sidelined with rib and wrist injuries and I’m sure you’ve all heard the shocking news about Adrian Purtell’s heart attack.

It’s really taken the boys aback and we’re so glad that he’s now out of hospital with his family and hopefully on the mend.

He is an absolutely top bloke and on behalf of all the team I’d like to wish him a speedy recovery and we can’t wait to see him back to his usual self.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay huge credit to our medical team, who worked hard and quickly to get Purts the right treatment.

The injured group at the moment have become very tight as we spend many lonely, early mornings together getting flogged on the cardio machines!

Although we will welcome our new recruits with open arms, I would like to publicly warn Matt Diskin that we don’t want him and his ‘angry little man syndrome’ bringing us down – positivity only please Matthew!

Although Magic Weekend wasn’t a brilliant memory for us, the event as a whole seems to have been a huge success, which is a fantastic advert for the game.

The stadium was as awesome as everyone expected and fingers crossed it all goes ahead and the fixtures are held there again next year.

Next up we have Castleford Tigers and we’re finally playing back home at Odsal!

The game is on Monday evening, which is a new concept this season, replacing the football.

I think it’s a great idea and will hopefully gain more fans for the game. And besides, rugby league is ten times better than football!

After a string of bad results and losing their local derby against Wakey last week, Cas will be looking to bounce back in another Yorkshire derby against us.

The boys can’t wait to be back at Odsal and we can’t wait to see a packed-out stadium cheering the team on. See you there. COYB!