Former Bradford Bull Paul earning his stripes with Bees (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Former Bradford Bull Paul earning his stripes with Bees

6:44pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Henry Paul’s influence is gradually beginning to tell at Bradford & Bingley as they eye victory at Penrith on Saturday in the SSE National League Three North.

The legendary former Bulls and England rugby union star, 38, came on board as assistant coach at Wagon Lane last month.

He is still waiting to taste victory, however, after a run of three successive close defeats at the hands of Kendal, Harrogate and Waterloo.

Yet club secretary Nick Patterson said: “Henry has been fantastic with the lads, with the way he talks to them and passes on tips, advice and experience.

“He might just say to them ‘well, you made a break and ran that way but think about looking both ways next time’.

“Henry never talks down to the lads and he will have a pint with them afterwards.”

After five losses in their opening six games, the Bees are keen to return to winning ways in Cumbria, with Patterson confident they are ready to turn the corner.

He added: “We’ve not been far away in the past few weeks and I think we could be about to give someone a good kicking.”

Scrum half Richard Scull is absent this weekend as he is best man at a wedding but Tongan centre Richard Tafa should shake off a knock to be passed fit.

Winger Adam Wellington is out injured but Matt Booth is in line to feature after rejoining the club and Nathan Anderson, a centre or winger from a rugby league background, has also been recruited.

Cleckheaton travel to Beverley in SSE North One East and Bradford Salem host Castleford in Yorkshire Two as they aim to build on last week’s 19-16 win at Doncaster Phoenix.

Baildon are in buoyant mood after five wins in their opening six games ahead of their trip to Goole in Yorkshire Three.