James Donaldson facing big fight to re-establish himself at Bradford Bulls

8:00am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in Bulls Photograph of the Author By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

James Donaldson knows that 20 minutes last Sunday is not enough to warrant a starting berth for the Bulls against Wakefield James Donaldson knows that 20 minutes last Sunday is not enough to warrant a starting berth for the Bulls against Wakefield

James Donaldson believes Bulls coach Francis Cummins will have a selection headache for next weekend’s Super League opener at home to Wakefield.

Donaldson made his comeback from injury when playing the last 20 minutes of Danny McGuire’s testimonial against Leeds to mark his first action after almost 12 months on the sidelines with the second serious knee injury of his career.

At Headingley on Sunday, the Bulls forward was delighted to finally get back in action, and said: “It was just a relief to be back out there because it’s not been an easy road to recovery.

“There is no better feeling than playing and I couldn’t have picked a better game to come back into.

“From the start, the physio (Dan Ramsden) and Franny discussed things and didn’t want me to play longer than 20 minutes.

“When the game reached the hour mark, I was letting them know that I was ready. I was itching to get on.”

Donaldson has shown admirable fortitude to return to full fitness but now faces another battle to re-establish himself in the side.

Cummins is blessed with a number of talented young back-rowers, and Donaldson added: “Everyone wants to be in the starting line-up.

“I would be happy to get a spot anywhere in the team for the Wakefield game.

“But 20 minutes against Leeds wasn’t enough to show I deserve to start.

“We’re a team and we stick together, so if you’re not in the side then you’ve just got to be there for the lads.

“It’s a new start with a new coach and I’ve got to earn my place.

“It’s going to be a tough decision for Franny at the start of the season and there are going to be some disappointed players. I might be one of them, I might not be.”

Meanwhile, BullBuilder will consider their future at their annual meeting next Wednesday (January 30).

The supporters trust helped to set up a hardship fund for staff who lost their jobs at the Bulls last year, raising almost £29,000.

But they say the club has since become far more accountable to fans since Omar Khan took charge last September.

Furthermore, a number of BullBuilder board members have experienced changes in their personal or professional circumstances and will be stepping down from their posts.

Attendance at the next week’s annual meeting, which takes places in the Coral Stand at 7.30pm, is officially for members only, and membership cards or another form of ID will be required.

Comments(23)

Solomon Grundy says...
9:59am Wed 23 Jan 13

Steady as she goes I think, long season ahead and it will do no harm if he is used sparingly in the early weeks until his knees are both muscled up and used to the fray.

Getting ready for it now, not long to go COYB!!!

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wembley bound says...
10:13am Wed 23 Jan 13

City showed you rugby boys how to muscle up.

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Shaggoth says...
10:16am Wed 23 Jan 13

Blah blah showed you waffle waffles how to gibber gibber.

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thecooperbull says...
10:25am Wed 23 Jan 13

Yeah cos rugby players just don't have that toughness and physicality of the modern footballer. If only they were as fit and strong....

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Steam Pigs says...
11:07am Wed 23 Jan 13

don't bite, the troll has yet another user name....

WELL DONE CITY, You have made Bradford and all true Bradfordians Proud as hell

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wembley bound says...
11:29am Wed 23 Jan 13

CTID

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Solomon Grundy says...
11:41am Wed 23 Jan 13

Steam Pigs wrote:
don't bite, the troll has yet another user name....

WELL DONE CITY, You have made Bradford and all true Bradfordians Proud as hell
Amen to that. A great night last night and a great start to 2013 - let's hope Swansea beat Chelsea tonight & roll on the final & roll on Superleague!

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wembley bound says...
12:11pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Everyone a City fan all of a sudden, No doubt will see you all for drinks at the next home match wink wink.

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helenshep says...
12:41pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Steam Pigs wrote:
don't bite, the troll has yet another user name.... WELL DONE CITY, You have made Bradford and all true Bradfordians Proud as hell
Well said Steam Pigs, Well done to all the players, staff and fans at Bradord City, you have made us all proud, enjoy your day at Wembley

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flashdonut says...
1:14pm Wed 23 Jan 13

wembley bound wrote:
Everyone a City fan all of a sudden, No doubt will see you all for drinks at the next home match wink wink.
Not me. I am just a glory fan. And big enough to admit. Coach is sorted, City season ticket holding mates will get me a ticket. I will go for the day out to Wembley, cheer the Bantams, then the day after revert to Park Avenue.

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Essexbull2 says...
1:36pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Well done City ... and now it's for us to show that the Bulls are back in business. Last season was a nightmare, but the way us fans backed the team (especially away) was great.

Hope that all Bulls fans (old and new) will turn out and give the lads a big show of support this season.

It's not going to be easy, but roll on 3rd Feb ... I can't wait ... COYB!!

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-HCK3R- says...
3:01pm Wed 23 Jan 13

wembley bound wrote:
Everyone a City fan all of a sudden, No doubt will see you all for drinks at the next home match wink wink.
No harm in everyone enjoying Citys win and trip to Wembley ...... the final would be a sorry sight if only the City regulars were allowed to attend the.......well done City .....as for Donaldson it was good to see him back on the pitch and heres hoping for a good year ahead for him.....

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TBC/SLC52 says...
5:17pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Egg bound, told you not as good as me. If you were a true supporter of either team you would not go on the others site and insult them. The win was a boost for the City of Bradford, as a whole. I say well done Bradford City, you've done us all poud. Now can the Bulls do the same.

Egg bound, give it up, your an amateur, at this.

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Ralphie says...
8:50pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Bulls are due to play Saints on 24th February when City are at Wembley, presumably they'll change that to the Friday or Saturday?

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billybobbull says...
9:32pm Wed 23 Jan 13

Yes.

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wembley bound says...
9:38am Thu 24 Jan 13

Stick to your own sport, Heard it has been moved but don't see why

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TBC/SLC52 says...
10:03am Thu 24 Jan 13

So others can watch it on TV, you poor excuse for a troll. You'll never be as good as me. NEVER.

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TBC/SLC52 says...
10:03am Thu 24 Jan 13

So others can watch it on TV, you poor excuse for a troll. You'll never be as good as me. NEVER.

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wembley bound says...
1:37pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Tv ?

Says it all really

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theviking62 says...
4:56pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Well another name, same old crap. As your master says you'll never be as good as him. The team at VP are a credit to the city. Hence the reason why Bradfordians wish to see the game. Even us Bulls supporters, we are not at all biased to just one sport. I for one keenly follow ALL three pro clubs in the city.

So Eggbound go and annoy your fellow City supporters sorry your considered a troll on there as well. Never been nearer than your remote is from the TV.

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wembley bound says...
5:21pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Follow when they win or attend games I.E real support ?
Reading these posts over the past few days since our win you appear to be a liar after saying you were going on holiday.
No one takes a liar 's word.
Super city

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theviking62 says...
7:58pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Oh dear me, I'm sat in the bar, drinking my tonic, watching the Wombles play The Valiants, Wombles just scored. By the way have you heard of Free WI FI, that's how I make posts. So no liar eh Eggbound. You think your so bloody clever, but in fact are so bloody thick.

As your leader states, you'll never be as bright as him.

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wembley bound says...
9:24pm Thu 24 Jan 13

Bundle of laughs you are, Posting on here while on holiday
What a SAD LITTLE MAN

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