The we're on our way back -Bradford Thread

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

Just for you Beast.

Things going well on and off the pitch, promotion back up to the Championship hopefully.

And stupids rows with Workington what else could you want.

[The Beast]

News this week.

It appears that the the Bulls will "win" the race to purchase the Head Lease from the RFL.  This seems like good news but there will be increased costs of ground maintenance, time will tell on any other implications.

Wakefield at home tomorrow, a very difficult game but Fenton Rogers & Aiden McGowan recall by the Giants, injuries and suspensions mean that the team will pick literally pick itself.  A 20 man squad announced 2 - 3 named probably so they can name a squad, anyone fit will likely play.

Two more suspensions incoming following the brutal game at Toulouse Jorge Taufua rightly banned for 3 games.  Great to see the big hits but he really needs to be more.....accurate.

Ebon Scurr banned for 2 games, no real idea why?

[The Beast]

Good win v York, lead 30 - 10 with 15 mins to go, then seemed to switch/off run out of steam (perhaps the Toulouse & Wakefield games being a factor?). York to their credit dragged it back to 30-28, but a late Zac Fulton try bagged the win.

Widnes away tomorrow, this weeks new face is Zach Fishwick from Hull KR, with injuries and suspensions he may well get a game. Turn up with boots and you might get a game for that matter.

Very important game, a win, tricky though that looks given they have won at Odsal twice this year opens up a 4 point gap over them. The good news is no more regular season games v Wakefield & Toulouse.

[The Beast]

A loss at Widnes following a very poor 2nd half against a very well organised team with strike players aplenty.

Transfer window closed with Jaimie Gill out loan to Cornwall
Incoming is Jarrod Sammutt which can only help having basically having one half back for most if the season
Jaydon Okunbor has signed a deal to the end if the season.

Makin (Wigan) loan is now to the end of season.

[The Beast]

Romain Franco joins on loan for the season from Wakefield.

Still struggling with injuries/suspensions and a tricky trip to Barrow next.

[The Beast]

55 - 60 good minutes v Barrow followed by 20 - 25 minutes of hard to understand panic. Opportunities for drop goals ignored, penalties and possession gifted and perhaps to top it off forced a goal line drop out only to watch the ball go into touch giving the home side an attacking scrum 35m that they they scored from.

Whitehaven at home today, some players back so O'Carroll can actually select a side!! Must win, no ifs buts/maybes.

[The Beast]

More news I have just seen.

Matty Gee rumours were correct, signing a 2 year deal from 2025. I understand Jaydon Okunbor will sign an extension for 2025.

[Luke]

Kevin Appo has signed a 2 year extension till 2026.

Pretty much guaranteed a play off place, trouble is don't think you'd beat Toulouse or Wakefield away which is almost certainly the semi's.  Has it been a good season.

[The Beast]

Ummmm, inconsistent is the word that comes to mind.
Probably summed up best by Sunday's loss to Fev. They fought back well having pretty well gifting at 0 - 12 lead. Thereafter a mix or errors, penalties preventing them from taking control. A 51% completion tells irs own story but...
With so many players in/out, Gaskell being out for most of the season, is inconsistency a surprise???

I don't see the playoffs as nailed on, big game at the Dons on Sunday.

[Luke]

James Donaldson signs on a 2 year deal.

Him, Joe Keyes (both sold to Rovers) and Matty Gee (another ex Rovers player), building an interesting squad for next year. 
If only promotion and relegation was a sure thing instead of img Gradings.

[The Beast]

Great news Re; James Donaldson. I have always been a fan. Overcome 2 major knee injuries, never gave up earning himself SL contracts.

Looks like he will combine Championship RL with a new career

Yes, the 2025 is shaping up very nicely.

Meanwhile this year rumbles on Doncaster away today, lose this and with Sheffield away in 2 weeks it is suddenly a scrap to make the playoffs. Time to stand up, perform and please stop dropping the ball and having players sin binned.

Jorge Taufua banned for one game, his third suspension of the season.

[The Beast]

Another 2025 signing, Ronan Michael (Prop, York Knights) has signed a 2 year contract from 2025.

Franklin Pele next please.

To further add from Luke's comment the 2025 squad is:

Kieran Gill
Jordan Lilley
Ebon Scurr
Dan Smith
Mitch Souter
Sam Hallas
Billy Jowitt
Jayden Myers
Joe Keyes
Matty Gee
Tyron Ott
Jayden Okunbor
Nathan Mason
Logan Bayliss
Kevin Appo
Jacob Bateman
Elliott Peposhi
Emmanuel Waine
James Donaldson
Ronan Michael

Rough win at Doncaster, I say rough something positive as coughing they have lost games playing that badly, comfortable win v Dewsbury who did pretty well for 40 mins. Key game next week at Sheffield.

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