www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/art ... and-answer Now I think recognise at least two of you cheeky monkeys in this picture (Bullseye and MDF). Anyone else?

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news/art ... and-answer Now I think recognise at least two of you cheeky monkeys in this picture (Bullseye and MDF). Anyone else?

I think there are two others who post on RAB, but I'll leave it to them whether they want to blow their cover!

I'd have dressed up if I'd known we were going to have our picture taken!

You're not the only one.

No one forewarned me that I was to be a poster boy for the department of health. Consequently in every DH building you will see my unshaven visage beaming at you in a crappy polo shirt. You can't polish a turd but I could have been presentable at least.

Are you the one on the peeing blood poster? or the 3week cough poster?

I'm the person on the poster with the absolutely massive right arm. You'll have seen it, the caption is simply "leave it alone".

That's a lovely blouse Sam.

Bump!

Who from on here is going?

I'm looking forward to this event. The fact that both the head and assistant coaches are likely to be there in support of John Bastian shows the importance the club attaches to youth development.
Let's hope the attendance by fans shows they also see the value of a strategy to develop our own players.

Anyone have any questions they'd like to ask?

Last night was very interesting. Matt Diskin, James Lowes, John Bastian and Karl Harrison were all there and all came over as very enthusiastic.

Some points:

We won't be taking any players on loan from other clubs next year without giving the U19s a go first.

We have no intention of going into dual reg with a SL club. "We are not a feeder club" said Lowes. We may look at dual reg with a Champ 1 club but there didn't seem to be much enthusiasm. All the coaches wanted to keep players in the Bulls environment.

All the coaches wanted to see the game bring in a U23s or "A" team level to the game. Players are being cut by clubs at 19 years which is too young. Many are lost to the game at a time when player participation is falling. Bringing in an A team or U23s would cost more but they think it would be better for the sport. Players in 1st team squads not in the starting 17 would have a chance to get back in and not suffer the ignominy of having to play with the kids. Similarly kids could learn under the wing of older heads and forwards be allowed the time they need to develop maturity physically and mentally that many dpn't have at 19.

All the coaches spoke about how playing A team rugby allowed them to make a progression. Dual reg isn't well thought of.

John B said he is very keen to work with Bullbuilder and had a number of ideas for how we might help with the "extras" for the academy. We are looking at putting on things like weekend events away to team build, equipment, kit etc.

Matt D said the current U19s are extremely enthusiastic and he is building a strong culture. Many are well under 19 and short of physical maturity but he thinks they'll come good as they all have strong attitudes.

There was a lot made of culture and building a system like Leeds have had and the Bulls had in the late 90s and early 00s. Lowes mentioned how Leeds only gained real success when they stopped being a "buying" club and became a club that nurtured their own.

There was lots more too. When I remember it I'll post again. Unless anyone else wants to add.

Sounds like a decent night.