7:00am Saturday 12th December 2009
By Connor Murphy
Dave Halley knows he must continue to play each game as if his future depends on it.
Despite being named the Bulls’ new No 1 this week, the 23-year-old speedster is taking nothing for granted after catching a glimpse of what could’ve been.
In February, Halley wasn’t even able to nail down one of the two wing spots, shipped out on loan to Wakefield for the first five weeks of Super League XIV.
But the Welsh international’s period in exile, coupled with a switch to full back, proved to be his making. The result: a new two-year deal and the fans’ player of the year award for 2009.
Happily, the niggling career doubts no longer persist, although the same hunger remains.
“It could have been all over at Bulls, you never know,” said Halley. “But I came back from Wakefield and my performances were good, so I earned a new two-year deal.
“The whole point of signing a year before was so I could get this two-year deal.
“Every year’s different in Super League. I know it’s going to be a lot tougher because there’s more international-class players, so it’s getting harder and harder. There’s no way I can play the way I did last year and get by.
“I have to improve again. I’ve got two years here and if I keep improving, hopefully there’ll be more after that.”
Handed the No 1 shirt by Steve McNamara as a result of his performances in 2009, Halley merely hopes he can do it justice.
The homegrown star is keen to carry on the proud lineage established by idols such as Mick Withers and Robbie Paul.
He said: “Steve will be honest with you. If you deserve the shirt, you’ve played well and you’ve earned it, he’ll give you that shot and he always has.
“I’m very proud to be No 1 when you consider some of the people that have worn that number. Mick and Robbie are just two that come to mind.
“I suppose there is a bit of pressure because of who’s gone before but, like Steve said, it doesn’t matter what squad number you are, there are a few full backs here who can slot in at that spot.
“But it’s a great feeling to be given that number.”
With Super League still two months away, solid goals for 2010 have yet to be established.
But Halley is confident Bradford have struck the right balance between hard work and enjoyment in the build-up to their first friendly, at Castleford on Boxing Day.
He said: “I’ve not set any goals as yet, I probably will do when it gets closer and closer to playing, but right now it’s just about training hard.
“If you don’t train hard, you’re not going to feature in the friendlies and we’ve got some big friendlies against Leeds, Cas and Hull KR.
“It’s been tough but enjoyable and I bet everybody’s saying the same. We’re enjoying playing with the new lads.”
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