Pryce says love affair with Odsal is stronger (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Karl Pryce says love affair with Odsal is stronger

10:00am Thursday 30th August 2012 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Karl Pryce crosses for one of his two tries against Huddersfield last time out, taking his tally for what has been another productive season to 13

You would think that a season in which the Bulls have been embroiled in a financial meltdown would have driven the club’s players to despair.

There have been constant doubts about whether monthly salaries would be paid, of their subsequent ability to pay bills and lingering fears about what the future may hold.

Asked to sum up his emotions these past few months, Karl Pryce wiped his sweat-drenched brow after training yesterday and spoke from the heart.

He offered this: “I’ve loved it here this season.

“Take away the administration and uncertainty and I’ve enjoyed my rugby and coming into training every day.

“As a group of lads, we’ve had a really good time under a great coach.

“If it all goes to plan and we stay in Super League, I’d be more than happy to stay here for the rest of my career. I love it that much.”

Pryce’s thoughts summed up the kind of unity and togetherness that Mick Potter has harnessed within his troops at a time of crisis.

RFL officials addressed the Bulls squad at their Tong training HQ yesterday morning, informing them that the search for a buyer is drawing ever closer to a conclusion.

The Bulls have been in administration for over two months but local restaurateur Omar Khan, aided by Bradford MP Gerry Sutcliffe, appear favourites to buy the club from Brendan Guilfoyle.

Pryce, 26, said: “It’s a slow process and they just reassured us that things are going slightly in the right direction.

“It wasn’t much of an update if I’m being honest but it was nice of the RFL to come in and address the players.

“We can only go off what we’re being told and it’s going forward apparently.”

What cannot be denied is the fact that the Bulls have made undeniable progress on the field this year.

Victory in their final two games of the regular season would secure a first play-off appearance since 2008.

Bradford-born Pryce, who enjoyed an outstanding game in the centres during the recent win at Huddersfield, is expected to line up there again on Saturday when Hull FC visit Odsal .

Pryce, who scored two tries at Huddersfield to take his season tally to 13, said: “My preferred position is centre, I’ve always said it, and you look back at the 2005 and 2006 seasons, I spent the majority of my time there.

“I did the same last year at Harlequins but I came back to Bradford and there were lots of quality players in the centres so I ended up going on the wing.

“It can be frustrating when you’re out on the wing because you can get isolated.

“If you’re centre isn’t getting much ball then you’re not going to get any as a winger.

“But after Platty (Michael Platt ) got injured, I was asked to play centre at Huddersfield and I enjoyed it.

“It was good to put a performance together and help the team to a big win.

“We’ve been training hard and it’s starting to click a bit for us over these past eight or so weeks.

“We’re scoring some half-decent tries and we need to beat Hull now.

“If we win two games then we’re in the play-offs – it’s as simple as that.”

A bumper crowd is expected at Odsal on Saturday, and Pryce added: “The fans have been massive for us ever since the club’s financial problems came to light.

“Their support at Huddersfield was fantastic and it gives players a massive buzz when they’re so vocal. It’s like having an extra man at times.”