That's about what I said to my lad on the way back from Whitehaven - not a bad position to be in

Reading the report from Jimmy and Steve today in the T&A I read it as saying they are starting to sign players for next year. Maybe nobody is leaving and nobody is coming in just yet. They are just starting to prepare for next year which actually starts with pre-season training in just 6 months.

I would keep Shaw and Henry as young players with good potential. I am surprised I never seem to read about people saying Mullaney is the new Ferguson as he seems to be injured a lot of time with his leg muscle. If he comes back in a few weeks time and does it again it would effectively be all season he has missed when it is 5-7 weeks at a time. It doesn't surprise me if we are looking for another fullback as we have played this season without one.

Could be, but it would be a bit of a departure to make a big announcement about next year half way through the current season. Most clubs, including us, generally stick to making next season's announcements after the current season is done and dusted, for no other reason than it probably helps keep the player's mind on his current job - unless there has been 'blabbiing' behind the scenes and the story has been 'blown', of course, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

From BULLS TV:

"









BRADFORD Bulls are delighted to this evening announce the signing of rising international star James Mendeika.

The 23-year-old utility talent has agreed a deal which will keep him at the Provident Stadium, Odsal, until at least the end of the 2017 season.

Mendeika, a former Warrington Wolves Academy player, arrives with immediate effect from the Bradford’s Kingstone Press Championship rivals, Featherstone Rovers, having previously enjoyed spells with Leigh Centurions, Swinton Lions and London Broncos.

He played a key role in Ireland’s 2013 World Cup campaign, lining up at full-back and stand-off in games against England, Australia and Fiji, though the Manchester-born player has also featured at centre and on the wing.

Hear from the Bulls' newest recruit by pressing 'PLAY'!"

Jaja, went online to get ready for the big announcement and it was already there!!

Some highlights of James from last year for you guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VEWkAKelR8

Some highlights of James from last year for you guys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VEWkAKelR8

Suspect this signals either mullaney moving into halves or his injury being longish term. Jimmy clearly doesn't rate shaw at fb.

Not sure whether it's a good or a bad thing but does anyone feel that with the signings of Crossley and now Mendeika - both Championship standard players - we are building a core set of players just incase we fail to go up?

The guy seems to versatile enough - plays at centre for Fev, and played for Ireland at full back and stand off.

Jimmy does like players who can play in more than one position, and he fits the bill. Great strike rate as well when it comes to scoring tries

Looking forward to seeing him play.

Although, I have to wonder where this leaves Shaw. Uaisele and Williams seem to be our first choice wingers and both seem to be forming solid partnerships with Henry and Purtell

Does anyone? I would suggest anyone that rates Shaw at fullback is either blind or has the surname of "Shaw".

Seriously though, the difference in Mullaney and Shaw is massive. Shaw to me shows as a good squad player, can provide adequate backup in numerous positions. But he's never going to be in your first choice 17.

Having not seen Mendeika, I find it hard to judge. But I would expect he's a similar kind of squad player, providing backup all over, but not playing when everyone is fit.


As far as Adam Henry goes, I'm in the camp that he's not good enough. He's had one good game (vs. Sheffield) and other than that, is full of errors and stupid decisions. Again, with a fully fit squad, he's not in the 17 for me. Waste of a quota spot and not one I'd want to keep if we got back into Super League.

We still have Blythe and Baille to fit in somewhere, plus Ulugia and Shaw so can't see where this guy fits in. I thought that when Crossley was signed, when you consider that we are awash with forwards, and Davis and Peterson still to get a game. I presume he has signed with a view to maybe getting a game sometime.

Pretty certain walker isn't our first choice winger

Interesting NH v SH choices we have in the outside backs.

Mullaney, Uaisele, Purtell, Henry, Ulugia
v
Mendeika, Shaw, Blythe, Baile, Williams