It now seems more and more unlikely that Leon is going to be coming for this next season, and there doesn't exactly seem to be too many other viable options for a Stand off floating around.

Now, I realise that Paul Cooke comes with 'baggage' (although, to be honest, I'm not exactly sure what that baggage is) Perhaps the guy has his best days behind him, and would certainly be considered a risk.

However, he is someone who not that long ago was playing International Rugby, is a playmaker of considerable skill, and a decent goal kicker. He obviously wants / needs a club... and we need a stand off. Could some sort of 'pay per play' deal be possible? A short term deal, where we can get rid if things don't work out as we might hope?

It seems to me that this is a 'no lose' deal. We could sign up him for peanuts, pay him only for appearances. If he causes trouble, then simply get rid of him. If he plays well, then great. Everybody wins! We're most likely going to get Leon anyway in the medium term, so this guy would be a reasonable enough stop gap

Is it such a craaaaaaaazy idea?

It's not a matter of how he plays when he's actually on the field.

It's a matter of what he's like off it. His attitude, his training, his alleged "other" activities and more importantly to me, his influence on the younger players.

If the stories about him off the field are to be believed, no coach in their right mind would want him at the club. The last thing we need is more off-the-field problems.

It says it all for me that even Wakefield don't want him after only 6 months or so of playing for them.

As you've probably guessed, I wouldn't touch him.

Have faith..

I expect the club still to announce at least one signing.

Plus.. wouldn't touch him with a 12 ft barge pole.

I wouldn't touch him with someone else's 12 ft barge pole, nevermind my own. I'd rather not sign anyone else than sign that waster.

If we had no other choice, which I doubt is the case, the only way I'd take Cooke is on minimum wage and a 1 strike and he's gone clause.

But I would only accept his signing for Bradford if it was a case of "there's no one else at all available to play 6" and as we've got Kearney, Southernwood, Royston, hell even Sykes who we could put in at 6 then I don't really see us being that desperate.

Absolutely out of the question, I'd throw on a shirt myself first.

Hmmm. I'd heard he was signing too!

He wasn't even being considered last time I heard, and I don't believe anything has changed since.

Seems that most people are implacably opposed to having him at the Bulls

It's a shame that someone with undoubted talent has got himself into this position

The man's an absolute ar5e. Can't say I'd want him at the Bulls.

agree with that sentiment but find it hard to feel any sympathy for him. He's in a situation entirely of his own creating and has had numerous 2nd chances. wouldnt want him anywhere near us. Would rather give southernwood and addy the gametime.

Rather use a combination of Southernwood/Addy/Kearney

He's way past his best and we don't want that sort of disruptive influence in the camp when Potter is trying to build team spirit.

I would rather have Michael Worrincy back to play 6.

Can I just suggest letting Donno have a go? Most Bull fans may think I'm talking , but those of you who follow the reserves/academy have probably seen more of his game than others. I've watched James since his nappy was dragging thro' the mud and there's far more to his game than he's shown so far.


Just a thought I'll get me coat!

Undoubtedly Cooke would bring class to any team in Super League, but with that he also brings a hell of alot of baggage that the Bulls don't want and most importantly can't afford to have as they build from what have been dark times.

You look at other Super League clubs and they are blooding young English talent week in week out and are been shown the way by seasoned professionals that know how to perform on and more importantly off the field and show these young lads the way to go. We have the talent and these lads should be pushed in the right direction to bring a brighter future to Odsal!

I'll have to take another look at the definition of class in the dictionary.

I think it was a typo though. He surely meant to type "clash"?

I had a similar thought last season, from what I've seen he has some of tools needed for 6, good awareness, good rugby brain, good vision and decent ball handling skills, I'm not sure about his pace but then other people make a good go at 6 without blistering pace. If we don't get somebody in it might be worth seeing how he goes at 6 for the U20's before the 1st team.

I suppose it depends where the coaching staff see his long term future, if they are convinced he could be a top class backrower/Loose forward for instance would it slow that development to try him in a different position at 6? I guess I'll just go with the coaching staff on that one as they have a far better handle on Donaldsons development than me obviously.

Decent shout for consideration though IMHO.

No need to get yer coat

I'm struggling to think of many.

if york city knights dont want him, im sure the bulls should stay clear also.

I note people mention his on-field abilities but off-field baggage. He may have had abilities 5 years ago but I haven't seen him be anything other than a waste of cap space every time I've seen him play since his days at Hull.

There are more with pace I agree, but off the top of my head some 6's that have not had "blistering" pace include Harris, Henry Paul, Cooke, Ratchford and Tommy Martyn. Some of these were greats and had more pace when younger and are not comparable yet playing wise, but I don't know just how Donaldson would compare pace wise, but all I'm saying its not the be all and end all....would help mind.

The natural progression is from 6 to a 13 (unless you play for GB when it's the reverse). IMO Kearney would be a massively better SO with Royston at FB.

Not in a million years.

What does it say to our youngsters if we go and sign Cooke? I suppose the same can be said when the club brings in Aussie imports. Still, no thanks.

Class - a room full of children, usually swearing and/or throwing things.