2014 Preview - Bradford Bulls

Ninth in 2013 was disappointing for a side that only missed the playoffs due to points deduction the year before, but it was poor tackling that the Bulls really suffered with all campaign that set them back.

 

Boardroom upheaval and financial strife have characterised the off season in Bradford. It's something they are used to dominating the headlines at Odsal, but its something they also hoped had passed. It means a disrupted squad, further loss of talent, and the threat of more asset stripping. Frank Winterstein has backed out of his deal, there are rumours others may too and London may look to Bulls players as potential signings with Super League experience.

 

Ins and outs have pretty much been on a like for like basis. Garreth Carvell for Jamie Langley is an upgrade to an already decent group up front, but not a long term move. Adam Henry for Keith Lulia has more long term potential, but is a little unknown. Dale Ferguson for John Bateman is reasonable for the  right now. A permanent deal for Matty Blythe helps too. Back row is an area of relative strength - Danny Addy, Tom Olbison and Jamie Donaldson all being talented options.

 

Hooker is a trouble position with Heath L'Estrange leaving meaning Matt Diskin is all they really have with any real experience. 20 year old Adam O'Brien will be the interchange with only 17 first team games under his belt. There is a question mark too over where Lee Gaskell might play, but he offers creativity across the back division. Its a shame talented full back Curtis Naughton has left the club as a quick and elusive runner would really add to what the Bulls can throw at opponents.

 

Tackling is an area to address for the Bulls. In Addy and Chev Walker they had the leading and forth placed player for missed tackles in the league last year. Elliott Whitehead was also a culprit when he was still at Bradford, and Tom Olbison tackled below par as well. Their best regular back rower defensively was Bateman, tackling at 96% with on average around 27 successful tackles per game, now sold to Wigan. The addition of Ferguson, who tackled at over 95% in 2013 in completing over 27 tackles per game on average, will hope to address this problem somewhat.

It's likely Bradford will need to stabilise quickly, work behind a relatively strong group of props and need a few teams to have poor runs to make the playoffs.

League Leaders Odds: 125/1
Grand Final Odds: 100/1
Cup Odds: 40/1
(source: Oddschecker.com)

 

Mark's predictions:
League place - 12th
Key man - Brett Kearney
One to watch - Alex Mellor

 

Tom's predictions:
League place - 8th
Key man - Dale Ferguson
One to watch - Adam O'Brien