Despite being on the other side of the world, one of my first reactions to the news of his signing was 'I want to get to Odsal next season. Now the 48hr, £800 round trip pretty much precludes me from that (couldn't live with the carbon footprint) but surely there must be some amongst our lapsed support whose interest has been resparked by this signing.

Money's tight when it comes to marketing, but we've had a load of free publicity and something concrete with which to tempt those that weren't convinced previously?

Totally agree, gutted that i cant see this man in action every week.

Well if either of you two guys fancy a lifestyle swap I'd be happy to swap W Yorkshire for Sydney or New York!

But hopefully an International Test player will be enough to get a few drifting fans back through the gates. Putting Leeds to the sword in April would get more back though!

Best be prepared for your crowds to drop further then

Bird might be known to your committed RL fan, but he's certainly not a big name who will draw in the floating fans.

State of origin player asim and only 24 surely it's a marketing chance!!

He's certainly got a name for himself...

All good points well put!!

On the subject of this, I wouldn't normally advocate the signing of ageing overseas players but, in terms of a big marketing opportunity, I think the club should look into signing up Darren Lockyer next year (providing fitness isn't a big worry and wage demands aren't too high).

I think he is one of the few genuinely big name players whose name would resonate with the people who have fallen out of the habit of going to Odsal in recent times, I'd also be looking at some kind of role for Robbie Paul at the club too - but of course how that could be afforded is another thing altogether.

You're right Asim someone like Lockyer would do really well bringing the crowds back to Odsal. I don't think it would be Lockyer himself though, I have a sneeky feeling it's the old Australian agents trick of "There is lots of interest in my player from England..." when negotiating contracts.

there's nothing like a winning team to bring the fans in. one player doesn't make a team.the bulls need to start from scratch, get rid of the deadwood and bring some quality in.
possibly stating the obvious though

Bird isn't really a marketable player given his recent off field publicity IMO.

Also let's wait and see if he gets a visa and get's fit and on the field before we start to go mad about him.

According to a guy in the Shoulder of Mutton last night he will never get here as he won't be allowed a visa, and this is all a stunt by the club to make it look like they are in for this calibre of player.

There was me thinking I was cynical!

This I agree with, very much. Wonder if we can get Menzies working on him, talking about how he'll be a force for good rather than evil if he comes to Bradford rather than just taking the money at Wigan. As I mentioned in another thread, I wonder if we'd ever get Robbie back, in some capacity.

As for Bird... maybe just a story in the T&A - 'Bulls delighted by season ticket surge' could nudge a few to get their walllets out who wouldn't otherwise.