Fax "should" have some spare funding for a player or two, but any deal has to be of mutual benefit to both parties. If any players come available, then I'm sure other clubs will have been looking and ready to put bids in with their agents, but tbh we need to see how things conclude with the Bulls first.

Looking forward to the season starting.

In effect we should have the money originally put aside for Manning but, due to the state of the clubs finances, it would seem more prudent to keep hold of it unless we were able to get a good replacement.

James clare just signed for leigh as his future was uncertain. No fee mentioned but as the players were not paid last week tbe office staff have started seeking new emoyment only fair the players do.

Im not sure missing a pay roll will make them free agents to be honest maybe if its missed a few times but at the end of the day those players will need to earn money and most will have to take a pay cut or even go part time. To be fair though some of them were stealing a living from the Bulls last season anyway.

It doesn't look like Leigh and Huddersfield have paid any fees for Welham or Clare respectively. And O'Brian rumoured to be going next.

Dave apparently we have signed Clare, but no official announcement has been made yet.

must all be free agents now

Yep........... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38418199

Yep........... www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/38418199

Obviously we can not afford some of their better players but in my opinion we should go after some of their young lads who we can offer 2nd team and a chance of first team to. Most of them came from our catchment area anyway so once again all is fair and all that.

5/26 of last year's U19s.

My comment was tongue in cheek but its still more than I thought. It will be good to see some of them at Fax.

would be interested to see similar stats in relation to huddersfield

Bulls U19s had two from Drighlington which although a BD postcode comes under Kirklees - it's nearer Bradford than Huddersfield. No others from that neck of the woods. As for where Shudders get their juniors from you'd have to ask on their board.

Don't get this whole catchment area thing for juniors. Parents and players will make their own decision given the information they have to decide who's going to maximise the chances of them being successful. It's tough enough to make it as it is, so need to ensure they might the right pick. If loads of Halifax and Huddersfield juniors ended up at Bulls it's because they were a better proposition - and Halifax and Huddersfield need to provide a more compelling case (which Fax are now doing with the likes of Punchard). Don't blame Bradford for wanting the best juniors!

Not sure what the rules are with service areas. Think clubs have restrictions up to 16 then you can sign with anyone.