Cash & regular rugby. Bradford are desperate for him, they enquired before. Their Halves are woeful


Change the record, your always negative


I think it's generally accepted Bradford are safe in this round of Franchises, so yes their imminent future is brighter, BJ is 30 (i think), therefore he's got 2/3 years left. Quite simple


Not really, we've got alot of young players who need to develop, we've also got BJ who has played 5 games this season on decent cash probably not justifying it. It's probably a good deal for both clubs and also looks like we're clearly space for a big signing.

We dont really go for long term contracts, instead we have the revolving door at the end of each season.
On what we have seen this season, we should be trying to tie up the youngsters on 5 year plus contracts and then improve as required.

only signed an 18 month deal so no longer than he was contracted to us for

Bradford must have offered more money

Maybe you should check the other thread. It might float your boat

Lets get a good half back from aus over now !!!! Better future for his familly in Bradford

christ he must be on drugs !

Why from Oz?

Why has hickeys visa only just been applied for if he signed weeks ago? Not got a clue about the process does anyone know?

Threads merged. Kear on BJ, BJ to Bradford, it's all part of the same topic.

Not entirely sure, maybe it's taken longer as it's a new company. Might have been harder to gather the paperwork required. It'll depend on the Visa process, what exactely qualifies as applied? Initial paperwork? Or maybe it's the final process, which in my case was an interview, although that was pre the tightening up of the Visa process

On James Elston's twitter note it also states that we now! (his exclamation mark his not mine) have 2 overseas places available. Don't know whether Hickey knocks it back to one. However we could have 13 spaces available, but it ain't much use if it takes an age to get through the 'red tape' - the season will be over, or at least the end of July will be upon us.

Just because he is moving clubs does not mean to say he will be moving house. His family are very settled in Wakefield. Ben is a model professional and despite being shy always has time for the fans. Good luck BJ & family

Exactly what I thought, very contradictory as normal.

Whats with the obsession with players from Australia. As ive said before just because they`ve got a funny accent doesnt automatically mean they are any good.

Are you secretly employed by the Australian Department of Employment?? What is the obsession with Aussie half backs??

Who do you suggest? Scott Prince, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer or Benji Marshall. I am sure they would just jump at the chance to join us.

You are the proof to the statement 'that if you hold in a fart it travels up your body and you end up talking cr@p'

Edited with hope

I remember when he signed for us, someone saying we got him on a cheap contract, so maybe he's just got a better deal for him.

Cheers Ben for everything you've given at this club on and off the field.

Sorry I cannot resist this

Who from Aus are you referring to?

Wakefield isnt far from bradford...I'm sure he isn't even moving house. I'm happy to accept that this is a deperate signing from a team that unfortunately are a shadow of what we once were. I think though you need to realise the real danger you are in. Did you ever think he was probably getting out before you lose your license so he isnt playing in the championship next year?

We are plagued with injuries and need some creativity (which BJ can def give us), he needs to ensure his immediate future in the Super League. Has nothing to do with the city of Bradford you tool

EDIT: I can also assure you that looking to oz is not always the answer (see Marc Herbert)

Who knows, I'd have liked to keep him but injuries have softened the loss. Best of luck to the lad and let's now see if Wildie can take up the baton.

Seriously doubt that's the reason, they are all free agents at the end anyway I believe. I'm also sure Bradfords need to sign BJ won't have lessened by then. I don't know but I hope it's more likely a case of freeing up a place and some cash.

I'm not trolling, nor having a dig at you personally Vasty, but I don't understand this "freeing up cash" sentiment. I thought AG had promised funds for signings without the need to release players and I'm sure I've read quotes from JE that wakey could and would spend up to the salary cap limit. If this is the case I don't understand why wakey would release BJ when there's no financial need? As has been mentioned by several posters on here; BJ is experienced, respected by coaching staff and players alike whilst being emotionally attached to the club too. It all seems a bit strange to me

He's left twice now.

With Lee, Hyde developing well and more importantly being consistant at hb and Wildie, Moore and smith waiting for their shot. I believe this is a good move. We have an a wealth at hb it seems. Frees up quota and money.

I'm sure glover has the monies but the plan will be to build Wakefield into a more self sustaining club. If he's not in plans and someone wants to take his wage then it's beneficial to the club and players who need the development.

With the emergence of Wildie, Hydes good form at stand off and Tommy Lee being solid in every game this year we are becoming overloaded with halfbacks. As with most Trinity fans I am expecting the signing of a scrum half at some stage even though I'd be happy with Wildie, the near signing of Eastmond suggests that we are looking in that area for recruitment, we also have Moore, Smith & Tony registered. With Bradford enquiring about BJ, I think the coaching and management decided to let him go as there's no need to keep him.

As I said earlier, it's interesting that Bradford fans want to see this as a weak Wakefield HAVING to release a player rather than Wakefield being in a strong position and having options and choices for a change.

proof? I haven't noticed anybody saying this and I don't think that anybody thinks it (If I'm wrong I apologise) Most of the feelings are that you don't need him and we need something! Ideally I think most people would have wanted maybe some world class signing, but it's not going to happen at Bradford anytime soon. It's a sign of the change at the club and the position we find ourselves in.

It is however quite obvious that BJ probably feels you won't be in the Super League next year...we have offered him Super League rugby and possibly slightly more money (though I can't really see it being that much more) and we need a short term fix as the club seem to have no confidence in Briggs and Southernwood so it works for both parties.