Yeah, not ideal, I'll be working til 5

They haven't, as noted on here it was a wind up as were most of the responses, a crap one but all the same.

This is Bradford's squad. Some good players but I think we compare favourably.

Bradford Bulls 2024 squad numbers in full
1. Tom Holmes
2. Ben Blackmore
3. Joe Arundel
4. Kieran Gill
5. Jorge Taufua
6. Lee Gaskell
7. Jordan Lilley
8. Jordan Baldwinson
9. George Flanagan Snr
10. Ebon Scurr
11. Brad England
12. Chester Butler
13. Michael Lawrence

14. John Davies
15. Dan Smith
16. Keven Appo
17. Eribe Doro
18. Mitch Souter
19. Sam Hallas
20. Billy Jowitt
21. Jayden Myers
22. Will Oakes
23. Dan Okoro

On paper they'll win a few next season but we shouldn't struggle.

A couple that bring some well needed experience, especially with the likes of John Davies but they'll be in trouble following a couple of injuries after opting out of the DR system.

Wasn’t will Oakes in our academy once upon a time.

Both Will's, Dagger and Oakes, left at the same time - Warrington & HKR I believe

Think the Bradford squad looks pretty bloody useful. I genuinely think its going to be the most competitive Championship season for many a year. Think there will be upsets as all sides have plenty of ability. I think we may see the side that finishes top of the table losing 6 or 7 matches.

He looked destined for great things back then but chose to join Hull KR just before they got relegated. His career never really recovered from that.

In what way, who would you have from that lot? I know you always like to think the grass is greener, but crikey!

At least one of those you'd written off three years ago when he joined us, has he suddenly sprouted wings?

I agree it is more competitive than I'd like, but Bradford is not the side I'd be especially worried about over a full season. Will be interesting game at the start of the season all the same, and I could easily see Bradford pinching it, as early season games are very hard to predict, we will need to be on top form. Hopefully Powell is more than experienced enough to keep the early season over expectation under control, and we grind out a win.

Appo maybe, Scurr too?

Two! I'd be a bit more generous, but not much.

It's not that they are a poor squad, but I don't see anything exceptional or desirable. Could say the same about us I suppose, but if Ellis is true to his word then we can afford to get better if we need to, don't think Bradford can.

Seems so weird to make that last statement after thirty years of poverty, but in theory at least that's the case.

Not saying the grass is greener, just that they can put out a very strong Championship first 17 who will take some beating. I dont think there will be much between us , Fev, Sheffield, Doncaster, Toulouse, Fax, York and the rest of the League can beat any of above on their day.

I get that but it’s not that simple

We are the only genuine full time squad in the comp. We have the most proven coach and far and away the best back room set up.

But trumping all that, assuming you believe, is Ellis wedge. Nobody can match that should he choose to go all out. So imho there is a heck of a lot between us and the rest. It should really come into play in the last quarter of the season.

We may fail, but we really shouldn’t, we have it in our own hands for once.

Id like to think a full time squad will not be losing 6 or 7 games especially with the full time wigan lads helping us out. Our fitness and preparation should be well in front. I think if it's a decent night wel put Bradford away comfortably

FFS - someone make it stop!!!!

Come on Scarlet, I only just finished the other silly thread.
Who cares what he said in the past.

We have a good team, nice ground, and a guy with loads of money.
Let's just celebrate that for a while.

I genuinely think we’ll have a bullseye on our back with most teams this year. Newly relegated from SL, favourites to bounce back up, new wealthy owner.

Personally i think we will put Bradford to the sword quite easily. Their league position has been flatterd by their home advantage of bring used to playing on a midden of a pitch, that isnt even legal within the laws of the game.
Our full size pitch with superior playing surface and a squad that should be fitter and better coached will see them off quite comfortably.
Home advantage at their dump may be a tougher ask though.

The only memories I have of Odsal is being near hypothermic the entire time.

I agree. We are going to be playing a lot of teams targeting us. They are coming as underdogs and we know how that helps a team.
We'll need to play to our best every week if we want that GF win.

We will and that’s a good thing imo. Look how it’s benefitted Leigh. They entered SL with a swagger and a winning mentality and it’s served them well.

I don’t think we need to win every game and I doubt we will as it’s a tougher league than two years ago, but I think we must make ourselves the team to beat.

Correct me if I am wrong , but finishing top of the league gives you a massive advantage in that every play off game is at home including the final. Therefore that must be our target to finish top.