I'd go somewhere down the middle of the last two posts

Mixing things up a bit is fine when we are into the second half of the season, or even over Easter. But not in Week 2. At this point we need to be building some continuity.

I think, judging by last season, John Kear seems to take that view as well

Read what I wrote again, did I say any game was going to be easy?

But yes, I absolutely am saying there's games we can afford to leave one or two players out. Nothing wrong with that. It may be week 2, that doesn't mean we can't think about what lies ahead. I'm on about potentially changing one or two players, not changing the whole team for the under 18s. We have a big squad with depth, I can't see a problem with using it

I'm not saying we absolutely should, just....it's something to think about. I wouldn't mind either way

However, when that superstar replacement for McNally that you kept mentioning arrives, we should definitely put him straight in the team....

Ah the old, ive realised im wrong so ill try make up some other rubbish to keep the arguement going tactic

Im happy to be proved wrong but can you please point out where i said there wil be a "superstar replacement for McNally"? Ill wait

We're the new boys in this league and, in my opinion, definitely shouldn't be in the business (after one game) of picking out 'easier' fixtures to 'rest' players in. My recollection of Swinton is that they are team of hard nuts who would definitely respond to their coach, showing them our team list and telling them that, "they've rested a few 'cos they think you're rubbish". As a newly promoted team we should be going with whatever side our coach thinks is best for any particular match, however poorly that club may have performed in their opening fixture.

for what it's worth I doubt there will be changes, other than for any knocks/ injuries.

There is a big difference between respecting the opposition and managing your resources accordingly.

Swinton are a tough side who will more than likely mix it. Therefore yes we should have a strong line up. I think experienced heads like Webster, Flanagan and Crossley will prove their value in games like these.

That said, I can also see the point that we have a large squad and we can rotate sensibly to protect some of our key strike players. We should be able to beat this side with a second string... that's not being big headed but being honest when you look at the strength in our squad. If we can't then we might as well pack up now and give up.

For me, I'd be looking to bring back in Storton and Magrin. If Olsi is true (not seen it confirmed officially anywhere yet) then he may be in with a shout too. I get the feeling Magrin is carrying a knock as I seem to remember reading somewhere that he was a late drop out.

The short turn around between Swinton and Sheffield surely means that some rotation will be needed if not in this game, then in the next?

I’m sure everyone will get their chance, it’s a long old season and we’ve seen how it can take its toll. At the moment though I’m in the camp that thinks we need to be building some consistency. I’m also sure Kear is keen to make 1st team jerseys something to be earnt not given away because someone “needs a turn”.

I predict the exact same 19 this weekend with maybe a slight change in the starters.

Correct. Squad is exactly as it was last week.
Which makes me think Kear went with those players tactically rather than injuries forcing his hand.

Well I expect if Peltier, Bustin or Wilson were fit it might look a bit different - I guess we'll never know.

As for this week I think the main conundrum for Kear will be if he decides to bring Magrin into the 17 or not or whether to swap Hallas and Wood around.

It's a bit strange that we've signed that lad on loan from Toronto but he's not in the 19. Is it just because we've not signed him in enough time to get him registered for Sunday's game do you think?

Swinton have 5 in from Wigan

It's a shame that the one of those that's on loan rather than DR (so they can include 5 instead of 4) is a halfback. It means he'll play instead of Oscar Thomas. We could have done with Thomas playing so we could maybe recoup one of the games his utter shtness lost us.

Likely to be another tough game this week. Hopefully, the weather will be better than last week as I think a drier track will help our performance

I would hope that JK has made it quite clear to the lads that this might be a bit grubby at times. Swinton have been a bit Rowleyesque and the signing of Jamie Acton is bang on trend.

I notice that Bulls Website Gameday Guide have kick off down as 14.00 and Sinton have it down as 15.00. I assume the Swinton time is correct unless there is an international dateline between here and Manchester.

Acton not named in their 19 this week, but that doesn't always mean it's a guarantee they won't play.

That said, even without the likes of Acton and Barlow in the team, and without any obvious sh*thouses in the side, I've no doubt that they'll end up trying to turn it into that kind of game to level up the skill difference. I don't think anyone would look at the two sides on paper and not think there's more skill and flair in the Bradford side, so turning it into a scrappy game is absolutely the best tactic.

We've all seen Bulls teams in recent years fall victim to those gameplans, so hopefully they've prepared for it this time.





Unfortunately those sort of basic errors have been a mainstay of the club's website and social media ever since Chalmers took over and started using the cheaper options to run the media side of things (again, not saying he's wrong to do that, the club needed to cut costs). I have no hope of them stopping any time soon. Everywhere else seems to have it as 3pm.

Actons still serving the ban he got at end of last season isnt he?

In all honesty, it's hard to keep track of all his bans!

But I think you may be right yeah. A quick google reminds of a 5 match ban from the Championship Shield Final, which would mean possible 1 in a friendly (if he signed in time) and would have to miss the first 4 rounds at least.

Says 3pm here www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/match/fixtures

Says 3pm here www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/match/fixtures

Yeh it's 3pm on the fixture list but 2pm on the website Gameday Guide.

Is the time on the Gameday Guide not the time that the article was posted, rather than KO Time? Unless the game was played on Friday that is.

This is exactly what it is, but I can see why it might confuse some.
The guide doesn't actually mention the kick off time anywhere though, which again is a pretty big oversight.

Same 17 that started last week.

Swinton take the lead with 2 quick fire tries.

Swinton 10 Bradford 6

Bradford concede a couple of penalties and Swinton opt to take the 2.

Swinton 12 Bradford 6

Bradford not at the races today. Bulls still trailing 12-6.