Players must earn Bradford Bulls starting role (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Players must earn Bradford Bulls starting role
7:30am Tuesday 20th November 2012 in Bulls
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
Francis Cummins has urged his players to prove themselves worthy of starting in the Bulls’ opening match of the season
Francis Cummins has challenged his players to force their way into his plans ahead of the Bulls’ Super League opener at home to Wakefield.
It is 75 days until Richard’s Agar’s men head to the Provident Stadium and Cummins is counting them down one by one.
Round two sees the Bulls travel to big-spending Hull FC before Castleford and St Helens visit Odsal in rounds three and four.
Wakefield emerged from the trauma of administration to secure a play-off place last term after earning a club-best seventh straight wins.
Cummins said: “The players can’t wait for the season to start and neither can I.
“With us not having a home pre-season friendly, the new owners wanted a home fixture to launch the ‘new’ club and we’re pleased to have that.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to Richard and Wakefield because they were in a similar situation to us with their off-field problems.
“They didn’t get going straight away but they gradually improved.
“Although I want us to be all guns blazing at the start, I know we’re not going to be the finished article straight away.
“That goes without saying, it’s the same with every team, but I’m looking forward to seeing where we are.
“By the time the Wakefield game comes round, we’ll know who has impressed and who deserves to start in the team.”
The Magic Weekend fixture against Huddersfield will now take place on Sunday, May 26 at 5.15pm, while Liam McAvoy’s move to Leeds is expected to be confirmed this week.
Comments(47)
Schoey 2
says...
8:47am Tue 20 Nov 12
Up front we are going to be woefully short, and this will not change all season. Back line ok, but I feel we will struggle in the forwards.
We will only be genuinly competing with the bottom half of the table to try and make the play offs again this year.
OK seems to be making a vast improvement off the park with sponsorship deals and use of facilities at Coral Stand etc.
Any new on Purtell?
barbarian mike
says...
8:49am Tue 20 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby wrote:Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
looking at the threadbare squad I don't think it will take much forcing into infact the tea lady even has a shot at being called up.
Prycey
says...
9:59am Tue 20 Nov 12
Purtell said last week at the Provident day that he hasn’t been told he can’t play again and he is training gently. He hopes to be playing again at some point but it may be a gentle return initially for short spells till his confidence returns. He gets another scan and check out in December and will know better then – but things are going well – fingers crossed.
He could be playing again soon after the start of the season.
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
10:12am Tue 20 Nov 12
bullybullman
says...
10:40am Tue 20 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
11:00am Tue 20 Nov 12
bullybullman
says...
11:21am Tue 20 Nov 12
Solomon Grundy
says...
11:56am Tue 20 Nov 12
That string of 'ifs' around the front rows is way too long and way too unlikely given the nature of the competition.
nosher
says...
12:25pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Shelfrhino
says...
1:52pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Wakey will be hard for you, they'll be out to prove they finished above you on merit.
Hull's big pack will batter you senseless and probably repeat the towelling they gave you a couple of months ago.
Cas will be a closer game for you, but I reckon the intensity will be too much for some of your second string.
Saints could be embarrassing for you so early in the season.
flashdonut
says...
2:03pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Shelfrhino wrote:if you have 'thought' about this, please enlighten us with your reasoning to the 'bare bones'.
I think by the time you play Saints you will be down to bare bones.
Wakey will be hard for you, they'll be out to prove they finished above you on merit.
Hull's big pack will batter you senseless and probably repeat the towelling they gave you a couple of months ago.
Cas will be a closer game for you, but I reckon the intensity will be too much for some of your second string.
Saints could be embarrassing for you so early in the season.
.
This should be interesting.
.
Unless, as I suspect, you are yet again having a break from the chat rooms and are speaking tripe.
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
2:57pm Tue 20 Nov 12
flashdonut
says...
4:15pm Tue 20 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby wrote:Another smartass. Just not smart though. You know what that makes.
Speaks for itself really flash I understood it but for those who don't get what shelf said bare bones is once injuries have kicked in and struggle to put a 17 out.
.
As you obvioulsy didn't understand I shall explain. I would like to know what intelligent thought process Shelf used, to deduct that by the time we play Saints our squad will be to the bare bones. How has he concluded we would have amassed injuries or even suspensions by that date.
.
No need to apologize for not understanding. Tard.
Archie's Ghost
says...
5:13pm Tue 20 Nov 12
FC has the salary cap but chooses not to sign any players and then comes out with this silliness?
It's undermining the entire re-launch of the club.
olicanabull
says...
6:20pm Tue 20 Nov 12
Mumby was the best
says...
6:37pm Tue 20 Nov 12
olicanabull wrote:Thank heavens for a realistic comment instead of the usual wind up dross posted by a person(s) who doesn`t have the Bulls at heart.
FC doesn't choose not to sign players, he is constrained by their availability or lack of it, and by the state of the finances. There are too many premature comments on here doubting his judgement. With a bit of luck and endeavour in the market he should be able to land another prop, which is his declared intention. This person will not be a world beater, obviously, but will add a little strength in depth which we all acknowledge we need. I am a realist about next season. I doubt we will finish in the top 8; we may finish near the bottom, but as others have said, at least we have a team to support and should be grateful for it and to all the people who are working to re-establish the Bulls as a force in Superleague. And for those who seem to think that signing players is easy and FC should be more on the ball, please pay attention to the trials and tribulations over at Headingley as they try to sign a centre.
COYB
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
7:11pm Tue 20 Nov 12
flashdonut wrote:Shelf will be proven right lad just wait and see. Past history shows that with certain players.
ifallwerelikemumby wrote: Speaks for itself really flash I understood it but for those who don't get what shelf said bare bones is once injuries have kicked in and struggle to put a 17 out.Another smartass. Just not smart though. You know what that makes. . As you obvioulsy didn't understand I shall explain. I would like to know what intelligent thought process Shelf used, to deduct that by the time we play Saints our squad will be to the bare bones. How has he concluded we would have amassed injuries or even suspensions by that date. . No need to apologize for not understanding. Tard.
-HCK3R-
says...
7:50pm Tue 20 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby wrote:Dont all the voices in your head ever tell you to write anything intelligent ?
flashdonut wrote:Shelf will be proven right lad just wait and see. Past history shows that with certain players.
ifallwerelikemumby wrote: Speaks for itself really flash I understood it but for those who don't get what shelf said bare bones is once injuries have kicked in and struggle to put a 17 out.Another smartass. Just not smart though. You know what that makes. . As you obvioulsy didn't understand I shall explain. I would like to know what intelligent thought process Shelf used, to deduct that by the time we play Saints our squad will be to the bare bones. How has he concluded we would have amassed injuries or even suspensions by that date. . No need to apologize for not understanding. Tard.
Shelfrhino
says...
9:36pm Tue 20 Nov 12
flashdonut wrote:I've explained my reasoning, Maryellen, care to explain why it won't happen.
Shelfrhino wrote:if you have 'thought' about this, please enlighten us with your reasoning to the 'bare bones'.
I think by the time you play Saints you will be down to bare bones.
Wakey will be hard for you, they'll be out to prove they finished above you on merit.
Hull's big pack will batter you senseless and probably repeat the towelling they gave you a couple of months ago.
Cas will be a closer game for you, but I reckon the intensity will be too much for some of your second string.
Saints could be embarrassing for you so early in the season.
.
This should be interesting.
.
Unless, as I suspect, you are yet again having a break from the chat rooms and are speaking tripe.
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
10:11pm Tue 20 Nov 12
fash1966
says...
12:16am Wed 21 Nov 12
hx3bantam
says...
12:52am Wed 21 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
6:45am Wed 21 Nov 12
flashdonut wrote:donut my name and nature,
ifallwerelikemumby wrote: Speaks for itself really flash I understood it but for those who don't get what shelf said bare bones is once injuries have kicked in and struggle to put a 17 out.Another smartass. Just not smart though. You know what that makes. . As you obvioulsy didn't understand I shall explain. I would like to know what intelligent thought process Shelf used, to deduct that by the time we play Saints our squad will be to the bare bones. How has he concluded we would have amassed injuries or even suspensions by that date. . No need to apologize for not understanding. Tard.
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
6:58am Wed 21 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
6:58am Wed 21 Nov 12
flashdonut
says...
8:00am Wed 21 Nov 12
Shelfrhino wrote:No, you have not. If you have no reason behind it fair enough. Just grow a pair and admit it. As for explianing why it won't, I never said that. I have no idea. You see, nobody does. Nobody can predict what will happen. Excpt you, it would appear.
flashdonut wrote:I've explained my reasoning, Maryellen, care to explain why it won't happen.
Shelfrhino wrote:if you have 'thought' about this, please enlighten us with your reasoning to the 'bare bones'.
I think by the time you play Saints you will be down to bare bones.
Wakey will be hard for you, they'll be out to prove they finished above you on merit.
Hull's big pack will batter you senseless and probably repeat the towelling they gave you a couple of months ago.
Cas will be a closer game for you, but I reckon the intensity will be too much for some of your second string.
Saints could be embarrassing for you so early in the season.
.
This should be interesting.
.
Unless, as I suspect, you are yet again having a break from the chat rooms and are speaking tripe.
.
Tick, tock.
Mumby was the best
says...
8:05am Wed 21 Nov 12
A good result.
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
8:09am Wed 21 Nov 12
Mumby was the best
says...
8:22am Wed 21 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
9:04am Wed 21 Nov 12
hx3bantam wrote:I would not call fash 1966 a goon, He is a new poster and his view should be aired.
Why is that goon above replying to his own posts? Silly person!
Mumby was the best
says...
9:10am Wed 21 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
9:39am Wed 21 Nov 12
EPIC FAIL MUMBLY
Mumby was the best
says...
9:59am Wed 21 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
10:08am Wed 21 Nov 12
Archie's Ghost
says...
12:02pm Wed 21 Nov 12
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Ackersthebull
says...
12:20pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Archie's Ghost wrote:The statement by FCC is spot on. People have the opportunity to force their way into contention and not be chosen for their name only. How many times should Harris have been dropped? You could say none because he was here as a name. Orford & Hall more recently did not deserve to be in the team. FCC is implying that under his leadership the team will consist of people who are grafting, trying and performing. I for one pay to see effort and, win or lose, if I feel 100% has gone into the performance then I have been entertained
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Ackersthebull
says...
12:21pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Ackersthebull wrote:Don't know why it says FCC when I only typed FC
Archie's Ghost wrote:The statement by FCC is spot on. People have the opportunity to force their way into contention and not be chosen for their name only. How many times should Harris have been dropped? You could say none because he was here as a name. Orford & Hall more recently did not deserve to be in the team. FCC is implying that under his leadership the team will consist of people who are grafting, trying and performing. I for one pay to see effort and, win or lose, if I feel 100% has gone into the performance then I have been entertained
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Shelfrhino
says...
6:35pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Ackersthebull wrote:People pay to winners, a bit of effort only goes so fa
Ackersthebull wrote:Don't know why it says FCC when I only typed FC
Archie's Ghost wrote:The statement by FCC is spot on. People have the opportunity to force their way into contention and not be chosen for their name only. How many times should Harris have been dropped? You could say none because he was here as a name. Orford & Hall more recently did not deserve to be in the team. FCC is implying that under his leadership the team will consist of people who are grafting, trying and performing. I for one pay to see effort and, win or lose, if I feel 100% has gone into the performance then I have been entertained
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Why do you think your club is in the shizzle, not enough winning for your fickle fans.
I honestly believe that you won't survive the coming season, if ST sales are anything to go by, a lot of your fans think the same.
ifallwerelikemumby
says...
6:44pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Mumby was the best
says...
6:58pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Shelfrhino
says...
8:00pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Mumby was the best wrote:We might sign Lulia as well, not because we really need him, we may sign him just because we can. We've got loads of money and fans, two things the sharkrat bulls lack.
Leeds signing Moon is great news 1 It means they may leave off trying to sign Lulia (the better centre by far) 2 It opens the way for Platt to go to Salford and Sidlow to come here, maybe.
A good result.
Mumby was the best
says...
8:35pm Wed 21 Nov 12
Shelfrhino wrote:Looks like you might be right, you might need another centre, Moon was injured a lot of last year and became homesick, memories of Orford come to mind!
Mumby was the best wrote:We might sign Lulia as well, not because we really need him, we may sign him just because we can. We've got loads of money and fans, two things the sharkrat bulls lack.
Leeds signing Moon is great news 1 It means they may leave off trying to sign Lulia (the better centre by far) 2 It opens the way for Platt to go to Salford and Sidlow to come here, maybe.
A good result.
portugalbull
says...
12:11am Thu 22 Nov 12
Ackersthebull
says...
8:47am Thu 22 Nov 12
Shelfrhino wrote:I presume you mean people pay to see winners. That is exactly what being fickle is all about and happens at every club. True supporters of any club go through thick and thin and the club is not where it was, rather than is, due to lack of winning but due to complete mismanagement.
Ackersthebull wrote:People pay to winners, a bit of effort only goes so fa
Ackersthebull wrote:Don't know why it says FCC when I only typed FC
Archie's Ghost wrote:The statement by FCC is spot on. People have the opportunity to force their way into contention and not be chosen for their name only. How many times should Harris have been dropped? You could say none because he was here as a name. Orford & Hall more recently did not deserve to be in the team. FCC is implying that under his leadership the team will consist of people who are grafting, trying and performing. I for one pay to see effort and, win or lose, if I feel 100% has gone into the performance then I have been entertained
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Why do you think your club is in the shizzle, not enough winning for your fickle fans.
I honestly believe that you won't survive the coming season, if ST sales are anything to go by, a lot of your fans think the same.
Shelfrhino
says...
6:51pm Thu 22 Nov 12
Ackersthebull wrote:Cobblers,
Shelfrhino wrote:I presume you mean people pay to see winners. That is exactly what being fickle is all about and happens at every club. True supporters of any club go through thick and thin and the club is not where it was, rather than is, due to lack of winning but due to complete mismanagement.
Ackersthebull wrote:People pay to winners, a bit of effort only goes so fa
Ackersthebull wrote:Don't know why it says FCC when I only typed FC
Archie's Ghost wrote:The statement by FCC is spot on. People have the opportunity to force their way into contention and not be chosen for their name only. How many times should Harris have been dropped? You could say none because he was here as a name. Orford & Hall more recently did not deserve to be in the team. FCC is implying that under his leadership the team will consist of people who are grafting, trying and performing. I for one pay to see effort and, win or lose, if I feel 100% has gone into the performance then I have been entertained
fash1966 wrote:We have heard this precise mantra countless times before and we almost ended up with no club as morons were allowed act with impunity whilst defended on here by 'loyal' fans.
HCK3R...flash, please dont allow 3 dorks to wind u pal. ignore them and focus on the positives at odsal. i see regularly,we have a group of people who are grafting their socks off to make it work up there trying their best to improve the place, team, experience and in the long term results. focus on the positives at the club not the propoganga from the wind up merchants who are constantly talking everything down at the club. we`re not gonna set the world on fire interms of results, but lets support the boys and help to push the club forward.
The club need to realise, and I'm sure that the people bringing in the sponsorship deal do realise, that the club sell entertainment between 3pm on 5pm on sundays. They do not sell 'trying' and grafting', nor do they sell reasons/excuses as to why the team is woeful.
Why do you think your club is in the shizzle, not enough winning for your fickle fans.
I honestly believe that you won't survive the coming season, if ST sales are anything to go by, a lot of your fans think the same.
Your gates plummeted, the money ran out.
Ackersthebull
says...
11:35am Fri 23 Nov 12
ifallwerelikemumby says...
8:23am Tue 20 Nov 12