Bradford Bulls: Bateman contract talks under way (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford Bulls: John Bateman contract talks under way
7:30am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Bulls
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
John Bateman on international dury with England Academy
Interim Bulls chief executive Gary Tasker yesterday met with John Bateman ’s agent in a bid to thrash out a new long-term deal for Super League’s best young player.
Bateman’s reputation soared during a season in which he established himself as a first-team regular at Bradford and captained the England Academy side during their two-Test series against Australia.
The 19-year-old back-rower from West Bowling (pictured) is contracted to his hometown club for another year and has frequently stated his desire to stay at Odsal .
Tasker has held talks with agent Andy Clarke, who also represents Elliott Whitehead , in a bid to secure the teenager’s future for several more years despite keen interest from several leading Super League clubs.
Tasker told the T&A: “We’re working hard to lock John into the club for the foreseeable future.
“He’s the hottest young property in the sport and the good news is that he wants to be at Bradford.
“That’s not always the case as a starting point in negotiations, but it is with John.
“He wants to be at Bradford and he can see what the club are trying to achieve.
“Therefore we will be looking to get a positive outcome as soon as possible.”
After Francis Cummins was appointed as head coach on Monday, work behind the scenes has started on bolstering the Bulls’ squad and backroom staff.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the Bulls’ future in Super League beyond 2013 after they were awarded only a one-year probationary licence, making long-term planning difficult.
Yet Tasker added: “John’s representative fully understands the position we are in as a club and has acknowledged just what a strong core squad we’ve got.
“Although it’s been well documented that we’ve only got 16 players under contract right now, there is a strong core to that group.
“When I’ve been speaking to agents in recent weeks, you realise that some of those players are the envy of all the big clubs.
“Our job now is to source another ten players or so with a combination of good solid professionals and a couple of outstanding young players who have yet to realise their potential.
“Invariably, players become available on the market who surprise you and that could work to our advantage as our squad is clearly far from being fully in place.
“If we can then tie down three or four of our players who are out of contract we will have a chance of having a really competitive squad for the 2013 season.”
Tasker is set to relinquish his role and depart Odsal after guiding the Bulls through to the end of the season and helping administrator Brendan Guilfoyle to find a buyer for the club.
He is expected to continue assisting the new owners on a consultancy basis.
Meanwhile, Jason Crookes' move to Hull on a three-year deal has finally been confirmed today.
The 22-year-old winger was out of contract at the end of the season and will join likes of Gareth Ellis, Daniel Holdsworth, Ben Galea and Joe Arundel at the KC Stadium.
Crookes said: “The club have brought in some fantastic players for next year and they are really building something special.
“I’ve played with a few of the guys already who have joined the club and I want to be part of it.”
Comments(66)
monkey belly
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8:17am Wed 19 Sep 12
cliftonmike
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8:38am Wed 19 Sep 12
Briscoe?
JAtkinson
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8:38am Wed 19 Sep 12
JAtkinson
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8:38am Wed 19 Sep 12
THEMANOFSTEEL
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9:07am Wed 19 Sep 12
Kicker try scorer pace
Not the best winger on the world or attitude but I'm sure he would do a good job he played left wing for saints
THEMANOFSTEEL
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9:07am Wed 19 Sep 12
Kicker try scorer pace
Not the best winger on the world or attitude but I'm sure he would do a good job he played left wing for saints
Steam Pigs
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9:17am Wed 19 Sep 12
Please sign JB on a long deal before you leave though!!
Mumby was the best
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9:19am Wed 19 Sep 12
barbarian mike
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9:38am Wed 19 Sep 12
Finally some positive vibes coming out of the club!
Ralphie
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9:44am Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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9:51am Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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9:55am Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs
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10:04am Wed 19 Sep 12
Ralphie wrote:Kearney, Purtell, Lulia, Kear, Gale, Scruton, L’Estrange, Whitehead, Langley, Diskin, Olbison, O’Brien, Bateman, Sykes, Platt, Murphy, Ball = 17!!!!
Who are the 16 who are actually contracted for next season. Been trying to work it out but keep coming up short.
Ainscough option for next year
Also under contract Southernwood, Aitchison, Rossi
Mumby was the best
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10:06am Wed 19 Sep 12
Schoey 2
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10:10am Wed 19 Sep 12
BK, Kear, Luilia, Purtell, Gale, Bateman, Elliot, Langers, Disko, O'Brien, Scrutes, Platty, Sykes, Olby, Heath, and one more!!!!
Think Donno, big Nas, Sammut & Addy should defo be re-signed also, and maybe Ainscough/ Chev. Pryce maybe considered as an alternative in the centre especially if Purtell is not available.
Bateman has nowt to loose in signing a long term deal, as if we ain't in SL in 2014 his contract will be nul n void anyway, or if we are and he wants to leave then we will be eligible for a transfer fee.
Will be intersting to see who FC brings in to bolster the front row, or may be bring in a couple of guys from the academy - Liam McAvoy??
Also we have Cain Southernwood knockering around also who was highly regarded when he came to Bulls.
bullyboydonegud!
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10:11am Wed 19 Sep 12
Hudzilla
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10:16am Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs
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10:17am Wed 19 Sep 12
bullyboydonegud! wrote:read the freaking article dim wit....
Bateman attempted to do what Kopczak did but the dumb sod had left it too late to respond to mr guilfoyle's letter re transfer of contracr and so he was stuck at bulls, now his agent 'clown clarky' is fighting for Bateman to get a pay rise as he has made biggest error of his young career by missing out on a move to Warrington
bullyboydonegud!
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10:23am Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs wrote:Batemans agent had been making frantic enquiries about how long you could leave it before refusing to be tuped over to OK Bulls as John hadn't told clarky about the letter! First clarky heard about it was when Kopczak news hit press
bullyboydonegud! wrote:read the freaking article dim wit....
Bateman attempted to do what Kopczak did but the dumb sod had left it too late to respond to mr guilfoyle's letter re transfer of contracr and so he was stuck at bulls, now his agent 'clown clarky' is fighting for Bateman to get a pay rise as he has made biggest error of his young career by missing out on a move to Warrington
Steam Pigs
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10:28am Wed 19 Sep 12
bullyboydonegud! wrote:yesterday you wrote you knew about Scrutons wage when obviously YOU DON'T..... changed your story there.......
Steam Pigs wrote:Batemans agent had been making frantic enquiries about how long you could leave it before refusing to be tuped over to OK Bulls as John hadn't told clarky about the letter! First clarky heard about it was when Kopczak news hit press
bullyboydonegud! wrote:read the freaking article dim wit....
Bateman attempted to do what Kopczak did but the dumb sod had left it too late to respond to mr guilfoyle's letter re transfer of contracr and so he was stuck at bulls, now his agent 'clown clarky' is fighting for Bateman to get a pay rise as he has made biggest error of his young career by missing out on a move to Warrington
so today you spout more rubbish, any agent worth his salt, which Mr Clarke surely is, would of known all the regs and options available well before the deal was started with OK.......
yawn
if you are going to make something up, please at least make it plausible
bullyboydonegud!
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10:32am Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs
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10:35am Wed 19 Sep 12
Ralphie
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10:38am Wed 19 Sep 12
We would only be able to resign either Zammut or Manuokafoa if Purtell remained at the club. It sounds really heartless but we are in difficult times. Did n't Donaldson sign an extended contract around the time he got injured?
Mumby was the best
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10:45am Wed 19 Sep 12
Hudzilla
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10:45am Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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10:51am Wed 19 Sep 12
bully4us
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11:24am Wed 19 Sep 12
Oh, by the way, after your cr*p first post I don'y actually read them - just skim past them so no more reading of yours today - as everyone elso should do!
.
Please everyone - ignore these fools.
Mumby was the best
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12:08pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull
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12:18pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Schoey 2 wrote:Agree Schoey, hope he brings Fielden back to boost the front row, I know its a risk with his injury record but I think it`s worth the taking. Somebody like him can nurture McVoy and Roberts, If only JP was available also. We need the old heads with a mixture of our young ones.
Ralphie - the players I know that are contracted are:
BK, Kear, Luilia, Purtell, Gale, Bateman, Elliot, Langers, Disko, O'Brien, Scrutes, Platty, Sykes, Olby, Heath, and one more!!!!
Think Donno, big Nas, Sammut & Addy should defo be re-signed also, and maybe Ainscough/ Chev. Pryce maybe considered as an alternative in the centre especially if Purtell is not available.
Bateman has nowt to loose in signing a long term deal, as if we ain't in SL in 2014 his contract will be nul n void anyway, or if we are and he wants to leave then we will be eligible for a transfer fee.
Will be intersting to see who FC brings in to bolster the front row, or may be bring in a couple of guys from the academy - Liam McAvoy??
Also we have Cain Southernwood knockering around also who was highly regarded when he came to Bulls.
Mumby was the best
says...
12:20pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs
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12:33pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Schoey 2
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12:46pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull wrote:Capabull - Think Fielden may be on radar unless he retires of course. He has had best part of 2 seasons on the sidelines, but if his body holds up then why not. He defo won't be retained at Wigan that is for sure.
Schoey 2 wrote: Ralphie - the players I know that are contracted are: BK, Kear, Luilia, Purtell, Gale, Bateman, Elliot, Langers, Disko, O'Brien, Scrutes, Platty, Sykes, Olby, Heath, and one more!!!! Think Donno, big Nas, Sammut & Addy should defo be re-signed also, and maybe Ainscough/ Chev. Pryce maybe considered as an alternative in the centre especially if Purtell is not available. Bateman has nowt to loose in signing a long term deal, as if we ain't in SL in 2014 his contract will be nul n void anyway, or if we are and he wants to leave then we will be eligible for a transfer fee. Will be intersting to see who FC brings in to bolster the front row, or may be bring in a couple of guys from the academy - Liam McAvoy?? Also we have Cain Southernwood knockering around also who was highly regarded when he came to Bulls.Agree Schoey, hope he brings Fielden back to boost the front row, I know its a risk with his injury record but I think it`s worth the taking. Somebody like him can nurture McVoy and Roberts, If only JP was available also. We need the old heads with a mixture of our young ones.
I would like to think that FC will start to announce re-signings and new signings in the next month, rather than Jan/ Feb!
I hear Ian Kirke from Rhinos may be on the move too!?!?!?
Mumby was the best
says...
12:46pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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12:48pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull
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12:48pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Schoey 2 wrote:Don`t rate Kirke sooner blood youngsters than bring in journey men.
Capabull wrote:Capabull - Think Fielden may be on radar unless he retires of course. He has had best part of 2 seasons on the sidelines, but if his body holds up then why not. He defo won't be retained at Wigan that is for sure.
Schoey 2 wrote: Ralphie - the players I know that are contracted are: BK, Kear, Luilia, Purtell, Gale, Bateman, Elliot, Langers, Disko, O'Brien, Scrutes, Platty, Sykes, Olby, Heath, and one more!!!! Think Donno, big Nas, Sammut & Addy should defo be re-signed also, and maybe Ainscough/ Chev. Pryce maybe considered as an alternative in the centre especially if Purtell is not available. Bateman has nowt to loose in signing a long term deal, as if we ain't in SL in 2014 his contract will be nul n void anyway, or if we are and he wants to leave then we will be eligible for a transfer fee. Will be intersting to see who FC brings in to bolster the front row, or may be bring in a couple of guys from the academy - Liam McAvoy?? Also we have Cain Southernwood knockering around also who was highly regarded when he came to Bulls.Agree Schoey, hope he brings Fielden back to boost the front row, I know its a risk with his injury record but I think it`s worth the taking. Somebody like him can nurture McVoy and Roberts, If only JP was available also. We need the old heads with a mixture of our young ones.
I would like to think that FC will start to announce re-signings and new signings in the next month, rather than Jan/ Feb!
I hear Ian Kirke from Rhinos may be on the move too!?!?!?
Steam Pigs
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12:52pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull wrote:totally agree build the team around youngsters with a few experienced heads mixed in
Schoey 2 wrote:Don`t rate Kirke sooner blood youngsters than bring in journey men.
Capabull wrote:Capabull - Think Fielden may be on radar unless he retires of course. He has had best part of 2 seasons on the sidelines, but if his body holds up then why not. He defo won't be retained at Wigan that is for sure.
Schoey 2 wrote: Ralphie - the players I know that are contracted are: BK, Kear, Luilia, Purtell, Gale, Bateman, Elliot, Langers, Disko, O'Brien, Scrutes, Platty, Sykes, Olby, Heath, and one more!!!! Think Donno, big Nas, Sammut & Addy should defo be re-signed also, and maybe Ainscough/ Chev. Pryce maybe considered as an alternative in the centre especially if Purtell is not available. Bateman has nowt to loose in signing a long term deal, as if we ain't in SL in 2014 his contract will be nul n void anyway, or if we are and he wants to leave then we will be eligible for a transfer fee. Will be intersting to see who FC brings in to bolster the front row, or may be bring in a couple of guys from the academy - Liam McAvoy?? Also we have Cain Southernwood knockering around also who was highly regarded when he came to Bulls.Agree Schoey, hope he brings Fielden back to boost the front row, I know its a risk with his injury record but I think it`s worth the taking. Somebody like him can nurture McVoy and Roberts, If only JP was available also. We need the old heads with a mixture of our young ones.
I would like to think that FC will start to announce re-signings and new signings in the next month, rather than Jan/ Feb!
I hear Ian Kirke from Rhinos may be on the move too!?!?!?
Capabull
says...
12:59pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs wrote:By the way I will
Don't do it - ignore it
Mumby was the best
says...
1:01pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Videoref
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1:45pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Ralphie wrote:Why do we have to keep Purtell at the club to re-sign Sammut & Manuoafoa?
It makes the situation with Purtell difficult now particularly as he counts on the quota. If things are really tight financially with the squad can we afford to keep a player who may not play again?
We would only be able to resign either Zammut or Manuokafoa if Purtell remained at the club. It sounds really heartless but we are in difficult times. Did n't Donaldson sign an extended contract around the time he got injured?
Videoref
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1:50pm Wed 19 Sep 12
It does seem heartless but in these austere times we have to be. If he cannot play he has to be released-surely he will have been insured for all eventualities?
raisemeup
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1:56pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best wrote:He used up the transfer of undertaking regulation and resigned from the transfer to OK Bulls ltd.. Therefore making himself a pariah until he obtains a new registeration to play for Huddersfield.
Wasnt koppy under contract ? Just a thought.
As far as I know all the contracted players have not used the option CK thinks he can get away with.
So therefore the contractual arrangements remain with the new company.
Steam Pigs
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2:16pm Wed 19 Sep 12
raisemeup wrote:Only rumours link Hudds with Kopout - you are right CK did use his legal right not to have his contract transferred, that does not make him a pariah nor is he "getting away with it"
Mumby was the best wrote:He used up the transfer of undertaking regulation and resigned from the transfer to OK Bulls ltd.. Therefore making himself a pariah until he obtains a new registeration to play for Huddersfield.
Wasnt koppy under contract ? Just a thought.
As far as I know all the contracted players have not used the option CK thinks he can get away with.
So therefore the contractual arrangements remain with the new company.
The issue with Kopout is -
a.) Him not tellign his teammates & manager of his intentions (sending his agent instead)
b) did *insert club name* speak to him or "tap him up" when they were not allowed to
Just for clarity - every single player, employee etc... at the Bulls will have known their FULL optons when OK bought them out. as the players union were involved, as are agents (who make money from transfers.......) to insinute there was a mad rush to leave is pure bullshine
salford red
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2:46pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull
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2:58pm Wed 19 Sep 12
salford red wrote:I hope so too, it would be nice to have level playing field where the salary cap works and players wages arent boosted by consultancy work or their wives secretarial duties etc to get around it. But I can dream on.
lets hope 2013 season gives the less wealthy clubs a chance of competing.there are at least 4 clubs with money problems. hopefully by the end of the week. one of those clubs salford city reds will have new investment. and will be in superleague with bradford bulls
Mumby was the best
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3:08pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull
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3:37pm Wed 19 Sep 12
bullyboydonegud! wrote:Leaving aside the stupid accusation above, arent we lucky Caisley is not John Batemans agent.
Steam Pigs wrote:Batemans agent had been making frantic enquiries about how long you could leave it before refusing to be tuped over to OK Bulls as John hadn't told clarky about the letter! First clarky heard about it was when Kopczak news hit press
bullyboydonegud! wrote:read the freaking article dim wit....
Bateman attempted to do what Kopczak did but the dumb sod had left it too late to respond to mr guilfoyle's letter re transfer of contracr and so he was stuck at bulls, now his agent 'clown clarky' is fighting for Bateman to get a pay rise as he has made biggest error of his young career by missing out on a move to Warrington
Prycey
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3:54pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Sheffieldbull
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4:00pm Wed 19 Sep 12
salford red wrote:Hope your Club gets the investment it needs salford and all the 'less well off' clubs manage to keep the proverbial wolf from the door. The last thing our sport needs is more bad publicity Ala Bulls.. onwards and upwards eh? COYBs!
lets hope 2013 season gives the less wealthy clubs a chance of competing.there are at least 4 clubs with money problems. hopefully by the end of the week. one of those clubs salford city reds will have new investment. and will be in superleague with bradford bulls
Mumby was the best
says...
4:11pm Wed 19 Sep 12
els1959
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4:12pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best wrote:Unicorns are not a myth
Cant happen that is just a myth like unicorns.
Mumby was the best
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4:13pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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4:15pm Wed 19 Sep 12
els1959
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4:16pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Prycey wrote:Agreed. Think promotion and relegation will be back at the end of season 2014
I don’t see what the worry is about players queuing up to leave. There will be a few players who would get snapped up if they wanted to leave. Bateman is 18 with a young child and may be perfectly happy at Bradford with his mate Elliot. Why travel to Warrington every day? If I was a player I would see the Bulls as a fairly safe bet for a few years now we have new investment – so why not sign a 3 year contract if we are offering the same and you like the club. Other players may think the same so I see no reason why we can’t sign new players. Money talks and they want work. This one year probation year is codswallop to me. If we keep our nose clean for a few months then why would they kick us out? They didn’t when we went bust so why would they in 8 month’s time so another club can start recruiting. Again with the new licence in two year’s time. If not now, why then? We are in SL and we are there to stay unless we go bust properly – so forget the name they have called this next year. That is what players and agents will see and this makes the Bulls just as good a proposition as any other club if we offer the same contract. In a year or so it will all be forgotten and we will be in the market for players just like everyone else as long as OK gets the finances sorted and gives Franny the full amount to spend.
Isn't the new boss of SLE already looking and leaning towards that option?
theviking62
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4:26pm Wed 19 Sep 12
But how do you put a team together in the time allowed? That is a major arguement against the idea. Any answers out there. Sensible ones only.
Mumby was the best
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4:37pm Wed 19 Sep 12
bullslad17
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4:58pm Wed 19 Sep 12
As for new players, think David Fa'alogo may be a good option. He's a forward, which is what we need. Think he may count on the quota though.
There is Jamie Foster who is a fantastic goal kicker and can't get in the St Helens team. Also, as Hull have signed Crookes, do they still want Foster as a permanent signing?
I would like to see Fielden back for the experience and also we are three front rowers down.
Think Lee Gaskell may be off contract so may be we could bring him in?
I've also heard Solomona will be released by Wire so maybe we will sign him.
As for players leaving, I think that may be it now. Let's look forward to new deals and players coming in.
Mumby was the best
says...
6:58pm Wed 19 Sep 12
bullslad17
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7:09pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best wrote:zzzzzzzzzzzzzz boring zzzzzzzzzzz
You can tell you are 17, sounds like the letter you send to santa every year.
Mumby was the best
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7:53pm Wed 19 Sep 12
New Hall Nev
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7:56pm Wed 19 Sep 12
theviking62
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8:05pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Capabull
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8:09pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Steam Pigs wrote:Viking follow this advice PLEASE
Don't do it - ignore it
A N Oldman
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8:11pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Mumby was the best
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9:07pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Tricky Dicky
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1:14pm Thu 20 Sep 12
bullslad17 wrote:If we re-sign Solomona, I think we will need to widen the gates at Odsal! Too many oven-bottom cakes and Greenhall-Whitley.
This is very positive news and it shows that we want to build our team around a strong core of players, many of which have come through the youth system. For example, Whitehead, Bateman, Addy, Donaldson, Olbison and O'Brien. Whitehead and O'Brien have both signed 5 year deals this year and it looks like we're trying to tie Bateman down for many years too.
As for new players, think David Fa'alogo may be a good option. He's a forward, which is what we need. Think he may count on the quota though.
There is Jamie Foster who is a fantastic goal kicker and can't get in the St Helens team. Also, as Hull have signed Crookes, do they still want Foster as a permanent signing?
I would like to see Fielden back for the experience and also we are three front rowers down.
Think Lee Gaskell may be off contract so may be we could bring him in?
I've also heard Solomona will be released by Wire so maybe we will sign him.
As for players leaving, I think that may be it now. Let's look forward to new deals and players coming in.
Capabull says...
8:01am Wed 19 Sep 12