A look at the Bradford Bulls

Bradford Bulls are used to breaking records for all the right reasons but the 2010 Super League certainly didn’t follow in that suit. After years of success in the top tier of British Rugby League, Bradford had a season of turmoil and couldn’t buy a win towards the end of the season. Steve McNamara was released to take charge of the England national team after losing eight straight games and the team didn’t perform throughout the season meaning they missed out on the super league play-offs for the first ever time.

After the Bulls’ worst ever season in the top flight, those over at rugbyboots.net were aware that changes had to be made to ensure the club improved on and off the pitch and the board soon got their act together and drew up some very ambitious and solid plans.

As Bradford prepare for the 2011 season they look to be in good shape as the new arrivals have benefitted not just the playing staff but the coaching staff too with the appointment of Mick Potter as head coach. Something of a coup after Potter guided St Helens to back-to-back grand finals.

Also after not having a strong enough squad to compete for the top eight last season, Potter made sure he used all his contacts to attract the very best players on the market to come and play for him at Odsal. He looks to have done that with ease and the squad is shaping up to be a strong group of players who have the talent and potential to make an impact on Super League’s elite next season.

Chev Walker looks set to reignite his career after a horrific leg break at Hull KR and Gareth Raynor looks set to revive his work in rugby after a spell in prison. Potter has also handed Championship player Shad Royston the chance to prove himself amongst the very best players in the country and Bryn Hargreaves joins the coach at Bradford from St Helens.

Bradford needs some big presence in the forward line and have added Olivier Elima from Catalans to their squad for the forthcoming campaign and given former Wigan winger Shaun Ainscough the chance to continue his impressive scoring record on the wing.

The best signing Potter has made since his arrival at Odsal is the addition of Matt Diskin who has joined from Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos. Diskin is one of the best hookers in English rugby and was a loyal servant at Headingley but needed a fresh career move and there’s no better club to join if it’s a challenge a player wants.

The biggest disappointment for Potter is the loss of Steve Menzies who has despite his age shown a lot of commitment and desire when donning the Bulls jersey and was a big hit with the fans. The Bulls will also have to fill the void left by Matt Orford if they want to create chances after he showed a lack of loyalty and asked to be released from his contract.

The Bulls new signings may take time to gel and perform as a team but once they do click they are sure to be a handful for most sides and are sure to put the disappointment of 2010 behind them with a solid performance in 2011.