Bradford Bulls still Luke a force after Kopczak move (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting TANEWS to 80360, or email
Bradford Bulls still Luke a force after Craig Kopczak move
7:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Bulls
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Craig Kopczak has defended his decision to leave Bulls for Huddersfield
Luke Gale believes the “core” of the Bulls’ squad remains firmly intact after Craig Kopczak’s move to Huddersfield was finally rubber-stamped.
Homegrown prop Kopczak terminated his contract with Bradford shortly before the end of the regular season last month, sparking an investigation by the RFL.
The Wales captain, who is set to lead his country against England at Wrexham tomorrow, said his decision was made in the interests of his family following the Bulls' financial woes during 2012.
The RFL have yet to make any comment but Huddersfield have agreed to pay Bradford a settlement fee for Kopczak, who still had one year remaining on his contract at Odsal.
Bulls football and media manager Stuart Duffy confirmed: “We’re happy with the agreement that has been reached.”
Scrum half Gale, preparing to represent England Knights in their Alitalia Cup clash against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday, said: “The core of the squad is still there.
“John Bateman recently put pen to paper on a new contract and Elliott Whitehead is signed up on a long-term deal too.
“They’re our best young players and the likes of Manase Manuokafoa, Brett Kearney, Keith Lulia and Heath L’Estrange are all under contract for next year as well.
“All we need now is a few more players to bulk the squad a bit and I think we will be a real force to be reckoned with again.
“It’s going to be a tough pre-season but, having spoken to a few of the lads, they’re raring to go already. I think it will be a really big year.”
Kopczak said he was relishing the opportunity to play under former Bradford prop Paul Anderson and defended his decision to quit his hometown club.
The 25-year-old said: “I have been fed up reading many of the comments attributed to my decision to simply look after my family’s best interest and we are all happy that this is now behind us and we can move forward in a Giants shirt next season.
“Huddersfield have been top four material for the past few years and the chance to work with Paul Anderson for me as a fellow prop was too good to miss out on.
“I see no reason at all why we can’t be challenging at the very top and for me I want a massive year to lead into the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Jamie Foster has said he will bide his time over his future after revealing that Bradford are not the only Super League club to have shown an interest in acquiring his services.
The St Helens winger, who held talks with Francis Cummins earlier this week, said: “I want to get my head down, play in Super League and prove myself.
“There is interest from four clubs and I’m not rushing to make a decision.”
Supporters are reminded that the latest fans forum takes place at 7pm tonight in the Coral Stand.
Comments(49)
Steam Pigs
says...
8:16am Fri 26 Oct 12
it will be a long season, but lets be thankful there is still a team to support! COYB
Solomon Grundy
says...
8:17am Fri 26 Oct 12
UNBULLIEVABLE
says...
8:24am Fri 26 Oct 12
rogerthat!
says...
8:27am Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull
says...
8:35am Fri 26 Oct 12
Interesting that Foster is considering his options. Hope we haven't burnt our bridges with other players with the hope of getting Foster on board. It's a difficult job that all Head Coaches have got with the jigsaw of putting a squad together but I'm sure he's up to it. Players can slip in and out of contracts as it suits them it appears and I'm not solely referring to the Giants new signing.
Talking of the Giants new prop' the article above is pretty much a re-run of yesterday's piece with the addition of "The RFL have yet to make any comment but Huddersfield have agreed to pay Bradford a settlement fee for Kopczak, who still had one year remaining on his contract at Odsal.
Bulls football and media manager Stuart Duffy confirmed: “We’re happy with the agreement that has been reached.”........ I think a number of posters on here yesterday need to digest these comments and eat a slice of humble pie!
COYBs
theviking62
says...
8:48am Fri 26 Oct 12
We,do, need rugby stories, but seeing as there is nothing coming out of Odsal what can Ross do. But we also need info on how the stadium is going to operate, in order to make money for the Bulls. More money coming in the greater the chance of signing top British players.
Why so many negative thoughts is beyond me. I think you're worrying for no reason. Now the lad has moved to the Land of the Giants. We could see a flurry of signings, shortly. Upwards and Onwards.
Capabull
says...
9:01am Fri 26 Oct 12
Steam Pigs wrote:Spot on, the main thing, even if we do finish in the wooden spoon spot is that we still have a club to support, which at times last year did not seem to be the case. We have to trust OK after all he saved the club and seems to be putting it right financially which appears to upset some (or one) troll poster greatly.
Injuries will decide our fate this coming season, only a few and we may sneak 8th, anymore and we are stuffed - we have no quality in depth.......
it will be a long season, but lets be thankful there is still a team to support! COYB
As for yesterdays insider postings about Kopcheque goin for free the less needs to be said.
Sheffieldbull
says...
9:38am Fri 26 Oct 12
rogerthat! wrote:Actually rogerthat! I don't see why you shouldn't be taken to task with your MULTIPLE posts yesterday that included the immortal words like
Agree can we move on .Heppenstall seems obsessed with the Kopczak story how much longer are we to read the same old rubbish. I hope he can publish some news on signings as the squad is short on numbers.IS everyone at the CLUB ON holidays? Just read Speedway in the plans.We need Rugby stories,not leaked rubbish from insiders.
"also no fee paid by giants. its only mr t&a who has published this. can he provide the details...!”
and...
NO COMPO PAID
FACT
You and bbibby (a complete turnip) Loyalbull, uglytruth and VJ Man need to go and wash all that egg off your multiple faces. You 'insiders' were all very certain, were you not. As always, never let facts get in the way of your rantings!
LoyalBull
says...
11:01am Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:If everyone is so wrong and you are always right then role on the signings as we need plenty as soon as possible.
rogerthat! wrote:Actually rogerthat! I don't see why you shouldn't be taken to task with your MULTIPLE posts yesterday that included the immortal words like
Agree can we move on .Heppenstall seems obsessed with the Kopczak story how much longer are we to read the same old rubbish. I hope he can publish some news on signings as the squad is short on numbers.IS everyone at the CLUB ON holidays? Just read Speedway in the plans.We need Rugby stories,not leaked rubbish from insiders.
"also no fee paid by giants. its only mr t&a who has published this. can he provide the details...!”
and...
NO COMPO PAID
FACT
You and bbibby (a complete turnip) Loyalbull, uglytruth and VJ Man need to go and wash all that egg off your multiple faces. You 'insiders' were all very certain, were you not. As always, never let facts get in the way of your rantings!
monobrow man
says...
11:04am Fri 26 Oct 12
Steam Pigs
says...
11:18am Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:Leave em to it Sheff - yet again some people can not read and digest the info presented
rogerthat! wrote:Actually rogerthat! I don't see why you shouldn't be taken to task with your MULTIPLE posts yesterday that included the immortal words like
Agree can we move on .Heppenstall seems obsessed with the Kopczak story how much longer are we to read the same old rubbish. I hope he can publish some news on signings as the squad is short on numbers.IS everyone at the CLUB ON holidays? Just read Speedway in the plans.We need Rugby stories,not leaked rubbish from insiders.
"also no fee paid by giants. its only mr t&a who has published this. can he provide the details...!”
and...
NO COMPO PAID
FACT
You and bbibby (a complete turnip) Loyalbull, uglytruth and VJ Man need to go and wash all that egg off your multiple faces. You 'insiders' were all very certain, were you not. As always, never let facts get in the way of your rantings!
I wouldn't expect any retractions or apologies though.......
Sheffieldbull
says...
11:18am Fri 26 Oct 12
LoyalBull wrote:No Loyal, not everyone is wrong and I am not always right. But please note, I only post my opinions on here, I never and will never claim to have insider info like some. I try to be as positive as possible in supporting the Bulls and I can assure you that I do not possess 'Bulls tinted glasses' as some may accuse me of wearing.
Sheffieldbull wrote:If everyone is so wrong and you are always right then role on the signings as we need plenty as soon as possible.
rogerthat! wrote:Actually rogerthat! I don't see why you shouldn't be taken to task with your MULTIPLE posts yesterday that included the immortal words like
Agree can we move on .Heppenstall seems obsessed with the Kopczak story how much longer are we to read the same old rubbish. I hope he can publish some news on signings as the squad is short on numbers.IS everyone at the CLUB ON holidays? Just read Speedway in the plans.We need Rugby stories,not leaked rubbish from insiders.
"also no fee paid by giants. its only mr t&a who has published this. can he provide the details...!”
and...
NO COMPO PAID
FACT
You and bbibby (a complete turnip) Loyalbull, uglytruth and VJ Man need to go and wash all that egg off your multiple faces. You 'insiders' were all very certain, were you not. As always, never let facts get in the way of your rantings!
Yes, please lets have some signings and let us know about the mega sponsorship deal thats to be announced v.soon. ;-)
Bone_idle18
says...
11:59am Fri 26 Oct 12
LoyalBull
says...
12:12pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Bone_idle18 wrote:I dont get how one player can hold up any signings when as it has been stated by others one here he was on half the wage of Scruts. Why have we dropped the wage for Ainy? Where is the re-signing of Addy, Donno? How come Gale & Bateman got new contracts when they were not due to expire? Hopefully as Sheff Bull has put it we have new sponsorship on the horizon so this may kick start a few things.
At least Franny can get on with recruitment and offering new contracts now the Koppy situation is sorted.
Bone_idle18
says...
1:01pm Fri 26 Oct 12
LoyalBull wrote:No, me neither, but that is what he said in a previous article (or at least what was reported).
Bone_idle18 wrote:I dont get how one player can hold up any signings when as it has been stated by others one here he was on half the wage of Scruts. Why have we dropped the wage for Ainy? Where is the re-signing of Addy, Donno? How come Gale & Bateman got new contracts when they were not due to expire? Hopefully as Sheff Bull has put it we have new sponsorship on the horizon so this may kick start a few things.
At least Franny can get on with recruitment and offering new contracts now the Koppy situation is sorted.
All I'm saying is that now that blocker is resolved, there should be no excuses.
bullybullman
says...
1:12pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Lets move on we are strong for next season a couple more signings & we too are top 6 material.
VJ Man
says...
1:18pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:I never said that no compo had been paid. I said that yesterday there was no report that stated that it had been paid, only heresay and that an agreement had been reached. Of course all you chancers will claim that you had insider information and you knew the story was about to be released.
rogerthat! wrote:Actually rogerthat! I don't see why you shouldn't be taken to task with your MULTIPLE posts yesterday that included the immortal words like
Agree can we move on .Heppenstall seems obsessed with the Kopczak story how much longer are we to read the same old rubbish. I hope he can publish some news on signings as the squad is short on numbers.IS everyone at the CLUB ON holidays? Just read Speedway in the plans.We need Rugby stories,not leaked rubbish from insiders.
"also no fee paid by giants. its only mr t&a who has published this. can he provide the details...!”
and...
NO COMPO PAID
FACT
You and bbibby (a complete turnip) Loyalbull, uglytruth and VJ Man need to go and wash all that egg off your multiple faces. You 'insiders' were all very certain, were you not. As always, never let facts get in the way of your rantings!
If you are so much "in the know" perhaps you can enlighten us all on how much?
Sheffieldbull
says...
1:27pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
1:35pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:Correct I did. He legally terminated it when bulls went into administration.
...and did you say he didn't have a year remaining on his contract... carry on squirming VJ. Omelette anyone?
Sheffieldbull
says...
1:40pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
1:47pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:I have no idea, You are asking the wrong person. Perhaps ask one of those that think they have insider information, try Viking?
Then WHY did we receive a FEE?
theviking62
says...
1:47pm Fri 26 Oct 12
As Sheffield, says omelette anyone.
Sheffieldbull
says...
1:55pm Fri 26 Oct 12
"The club were in administration so Kopout was legally allowed to terminate his contract for free. The giants owe us nothing"
"Wrong, there was not a year to run on his contract, he legally terminated his contract when the club went into administration."
"The two clubs have reached an agreement, but we do not know if that involves compensation, just that an agreement was reached."
"Face facts. You know nothing, you never will, yet pretend to be an expert. How very sad"
Now that sounds like it's you thats in the 'know'......Fried or scrambled?
theviking62
says...
2:07pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
2:09pm Fri 26 Oct 12
westybulls
says...
2:15pm Fri 26 Oct 12
LoyalBull wrote:Maybe they got new contracts because out of contract players can talk to new clubs from April next year!
Bone_idle18 wrote:I dont get how one player can hold up any signings when as it has been stated by others one here he was on half the wage of Scruts. Why have we dropped the wage for Ainy? Where is the re-signing of Addy, Donno? How come Gale & Bateman got new contracts when they were not due to expire? Hopefully as Sheff Bull has put it we have new sponsorship on the horizon so this may kick start a few things.
At least Franny can get on with recruitment and offering new contracts now the Koppy situation is sorted.
VJ Man
says...
2:20pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:I know about businesses going into administration, which clearly you do not.
Just a little reminder VJ - sounds like YOU think you're in the know.
"The club were in administration so Kopout was legally allowed to terminate his contract for free. The giants owe us nothing"
"Wrong, there was not a year to run on his contract, he legally terminated his contract when the club went into administration."
"The two clubs have reached an agreement, but we do not know if that involves compensation, just that an agreement was reached."
"Face facts. You know nothing, you never will, yet pretend to be an expert. How very sad"
Now that sounds like it's you thats in the 'know'......Fried or scrambled?
VJ Man
says...
2:21pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62 wrote:I would get that stutter looked at, you might find it's something serious!
VHSMAN, I only state FACTS that I am sure of. Not hypotheses, like yourself. I read other media not just the T n A. I suggest you try it. Plus do your own research, don't rely on others. They,may like yourself be wrong.
theviking62
says...
2:39pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
2:46pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
2:58pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull
says...
2:58pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man wrote:The only clear thing is you don't know as much as you think you do. Poached?
Sheffieldbull wrote:I know about businesses going into administration, which clearly you do not.
Just a little reminder VJ - sounds like YOU think you're in the know.
"The club were in administration so Kopout was legally allowed to terminate his contract for free. The giants owe us nothing"
"Wrong, there was not a year to run on his contract, he legally terminated his contract when the club went into administration."
"The two clubs have reached an agreement, but we do not know if that involves compensation, just that an agreement was reached."
"Face facts. You know nothing, you never will, yet pretend to be an expert. How very sad"
Now that sounds like it's you thats in the 'know'......Fried or scrambled?
I'd say you have been!... but don't let that stop you digging.
Didn't get the answer re the Fee from Giants, something else you don't know? Deviled?
theviking62
says...
3:43pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
3:49pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Sheffieldbull wrote:I don't know why we received a fee from Giants, or have you lost the power to read?
VJ Man wrote:The only clear thing is you don't know as much as you think you do. Poached?
Sheffieldbull wrote:I know about businesses going into administration, which clearly you do not.
Just a little reminder VJ - sounds like YOU think you're in the know.
"The club were in administration so Kopout was legally allowed to terminate his contract for free. The giants owe us nothing"
"Wrong, there was not a year to run on his contract, he legally terminated his contract when the club went into administration."
"The two clubs have reached an agreement, but we do not know if that involves compensation, just that an agreement was reached."
"Face facts. You know nothing, you never will, yet pretend to be an expert. How very sad"
Now that sounds like it's you thats in the 'know'......Fried or scrambled?
I'd say you have been!... but don't let that stop you digging.
Didn't get the answer re the Fee from Giants, something else you don't know? Deviled?
You need to ask Viking! he is the chairman's right hand man and tells him everything!
VJ Man
says...
3:49pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62 wrote:Oh dear, here we go again......
Just heard major sponsorship deal to be announced soon. This is a deal to make us a major force again and to make other teams jealous. This along with new shirt deal, more players joining, the stadium being used more than ever. Onwards and Upwards.
theviking62
says...
3:56pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
4:44pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62 wrote:Can't wait, giddy with excitement....
Well how you like this, eh VDMAN, not a lot, I see from your comment. Well you'll be in for one hell of a shock. I've done my research, made the necessary calls. Look what I found out. Announcement imminent. Just watch and see, watch and see, FAKE.
theviking62
says...
4:51pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
5:17pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
7:49pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
7:50pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
8:00pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man
says...
8:02pm Fri 26 Oct 12
VJ Man wrote:Have you been on the meths again?
Spanish style omelette or just Spanish omelette? I have standards you know.
theviking62
says...
8:28pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Shelfrhino
says...
8:57pm Fri 26 Oct 12
I see the lobotomy worked.
I told you all yesterday the compo package, 12 rat traps and a pot to p*** in.
Leeds Rhino's. SL champion's....again:
)
theviking62
says...
9:21pm Fri 26 Oct 12
theviking62
says...
9:27pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Shelfrhino
says...
9:46pm Sat 27 Oct 12
monobrow man says...
7:58am Fri 26 Oct 12