I agree, and that's the reason I'd like to see him in the centres tomorrow. Apparently he played very well there last week, quite apart from the tries he scored, and it would be good to see if he could replicate that against (frankly) better opposition.

That's why I don't see any value in playing Purtell. If he is leaving, and it's once more heavily anticipated in today's T&A, I don't see how playing him ahead of Mellor helps build for next season.

And if these Shield games have any value at all, surely it is about building for next year?

I'm not a 100% convinced Purtell will be leaving next year.

Smith did say on Bulls TV that he's going to change it throughout the comp and the younger players will get a chance.

Well, he is signed until the end of next season, so unless he has some particular reason to leave - maybe retiring or some such. He's certainly been over here long enough to work out any homesickness, though it's possible there are other family considerations.

In today's T&A he seems to be hinting that he may well be off to London in a coaching role assisting Langley with their academy

What's happened to Ferguson. Have I missed something or is he injured?

Bradford at -12 is a gimme on the coupon with the team that Fax are sending.

Really? You haven't seen us play this season have you?

You must have missed our last 5 games, that plus sending about 6 unders in the team and I feel its going to be a long afternoon for us.

Probably. He does seem to play a few games, miss a few, play a few, miss a few.

He's leaving anyway, so I wouldn't pick him ahead of the likes of Haggerty & Mellor. Pitts & Olbison aren't confirmed either way yet, so again I'd have them further up the order. The better player doesn't matter so much in these friendlies.

I feel exactly the same way, I am being drawn to the much more attractive opportunity to clean out the oven and maybe unblock some drains.

Im compelled to go out of habit.

Bradford off to a slow start against the Blue Sox.

Bradford 0 Halifax 4

Alex Mellor levels things up for the Bulls. Charnock converts.

Bradford 6 Blue Sox 4

Blue Sox back in front.

Bradford 6 Blue Sox 8

Worth coming just for that