Halley
Sheriffe
Platt
Sykes
Semi
Jeffries
Deacon
Lynch
Newton,
Scruton
Burgess
Menzies
Langley

Cook
Rinaldi
Kopczak
Worrincy

only put Platt in the centre on the basis that Nero is carrying a knock (as reported on the T & A), if in fact theres nothing wrong it will have to be Platt to drop, and keep the team the same, does any one know what happened to Tadulala agaist wakefield?

Tight hamstring.

I would, but I suspect McNamara wont.

I'd be tempted to "rest" someone like Menzies who has got through a hell of a lot of work and we'll need him for the bigger games later on, and I dont see any easier opportuntiy to give game time to Olbison (as I dont think there is such a thing as an easy game any more) than a home game against the bottom club on the back of two impressive wins.

I'd take Leedsmetbull1's team, rest Menzies, put Cook in the starting 13 and Olbison on the bench and make sure he gets a good 40min in two spells.

Problem is if Celtic then beat us without a fully fit Menzies McNamara will be slated - but thats why he's a head coach and I'm not!

If Semi is struggling I'd give Platt a run on the wing, or reinstate him to FB and switch Halley to the wing. No sence risking making the injury worse. If he's fully over it then keep him in and Platt misses out.

Likewise if there is any doubt over Nero's knock put Platt in instead.

don't forget semi and nero have had two weeks to recover rather than usual one but if either have a knock then they shouldn't be risked. as you suggested it might be an idea to rest menzies entirely or at least put him on bench and use cook/worrincy for majority of game.

I could see the rationale in resting Menzies, but its asking for trouble.

problem is if we keep playing menzies the way we are, we might be looking at him having an enforced rest due to injury. with no disrespect to celtic this is one of the best games on paper to rest him in.2nd best option would be to let worrincy/cook start and only bring menzies on if we're struggling. although this potentially ties up a bench spot he does cover a fair few positions in case of injury so its not a bad option.

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/421 ... AN%20SQUAD

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/421 ... AN%20SQUAD

Am I the only one he can't see any real benefit in resting Menzies this week? We have just had a 2 week break, so the players should have overcome most minor bumps and bruises. Players who may still be overcoming injuries.. fair enough but why rest our star player when he's already had a break?

I feel one or two may be seeing this game as 2 points in the bag before a ball is even kicked. I hope our players don't also think this way, otherwise we'll be the side to kick start the Crusaders season.

There is a further consideration, that we play the strongest team possible, subject to fitness, to enhance its effectineness as a unit.

Good point also. If we were sitting pretty up near the top then perhaps we could afford to rest a few but we need to continue to find some consistency.

I dont see this as 2 points in the bag, but we have youngsters to bring through, Olibison is in the squad and I can't see too many other fixtures coming up that would be better than this one to give him some game time. Im only advocating resting one backrower to give another some game time out of choice before we might [ihave[/i to play him - the squad minus Menzies should be able to compete against Celtic if we're serious about this season. I suggested Menzies as that might also be of [isome[/i benefit to a guy his age as opposed to no benefit resting worrincy/langley/cook.

But like I said, McNamara wont do it anyway as he'll follow the (perfectly logical and understandable) sentiments expressed on here by others about maintaining a winning team and improving cohesion. He's wrong mind IMHO



Its an interesting talking point though.

If we are to have any decent chance for/in the playoffs, we need to chalk up as many league points now as we possibly can. We simply cannot afford to drop ANY points in games which we have a realistic chance of winning, especially our home games. Can we?

I bet those who want to see the youngsters getting a chance would be amongst the first to play merry hell if/when we lose?

Right now, I think the Head Coach has to put out the strongest, and most SETTLED team he can in EVERY game. We don't have the luxury right now of drip-feeding the new guys through IMO, much as I would love to see it.

If we are to have any chance in the playoffs can we really be that worried about putting one youngster on the bench for a home game against the bottom side after two wins?? And the very reason I brought it up was that normally you are absolutlely correct that we dont have the luxury of bringing on loads of kids when every game is now almost a must win game to get in the playoffs. But in this instance, in this set of circumstance I believe we have a perfect opportunity to blood a promising youngster at a time of our choosing. If its Menzies being dropped that people have a problem with then drop Cook, but as I said earlier I would rest Menzies.

And for the record, would you put me in the playing merry hell band if we lose after putting one 18yr old on the bench?

Its irrelevant anyway as McNamara wont remove Menzies from the 17 adn we all know it.

I really dont see that the selection policy is either/or for a young player in this match.
We can field our best team and still put a young player on the bench who can be "blooded" as and if the game allows.

Yep, something like this team I suggested earlier that is neither taking 2 points for granted nor throwing youngsters in for the sake of it;

Halley
Sheriffe
Platt
Sykes
Semi
Jeffries
Deacon
Lynch
Newton,
Scruton
Burgess
Cook/Menzies
Langley

Olbison
Rinaldi
Kopczak
Worrincy

I think there has been a bit of furious agreement on this one, I'll just leave it at this - I'd make sure Olbison got some good game time in this one, if he gets in the team at the expense of either Cook or Worrincy. As I know Menzies wont be rested. And if we lose it wont be because of an interchange backrower no matter who it is.

It' not just points we need to get he points difference back in to the positive as well.

That is being dis-respective to Celtic.

Very good point, well made.

I agree.

This game is the mother of all banana skins. Celtic WILL start winning soon, and when they DO they'll carry on winning IMO. I will be very seriously displeased if its at our expense, not least cos the world and his whino will laugh their stupid heads off at us again.

Except of course folk will play merry hell about having a youngster warming the bench if the game does not allow. Coach is damned whatever he does!

I've been dreading this game all week like you say Celtic have to win sometime I just hope it isn't us they beat.

I've had that same feeling all week

. . . . . everyone expects us to win. Hope the players don't go into this one with the same attitude.

Why would they? Starting to get a roll on with a bit of confidence.
Sure, dont underestimate the Crusaders, but dont underestimate the Bulls determination to take the points in good style.
We will win of that I have no doubt, we are far too strong and experienced to do otherwise.
For those who say Crusades will win at some time, well there's little evidence that they will this season. They have great enthusiam and team spirit but in reality lack the quality squad depth to make an impact at the moment. This is in no way a dis to them but IMO a valid comment.
They will learn from their first season in SL and strengthen accordingly over the next two seasons.
And I shall be going to the away game.

Don't disagree with any of that BMU - bet on us winning already.

I just worry that we may go in the game a little complacent . . . . not read, seen, heard anything to suggest we will. I suppose I just worry