Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 11:51 am  

I think the two biggest positives that we need for 2018 are

1. A definitive statement from the RFL about what the structure is going to be over the next five years. Is it going to be another restructure? Is it going to be franchising or P&R? Will there be 12, 14, 16 clubs in SL? In other words, what 'world' are we dealing with, not just for the next few months, but over the next 3-5 years minimum.

...And then, off the back of that

2. Some sort of definitive statement from our owners about how they intend to address that world in which we find ourselves. Are we looking to progress up through the ranks, and - if so - how? Will we be f/t or p/t? What will be the role of the Academy, if any? Are we simply going to be a feeder club?

I can 'buy in' to a vision that sets out, clearly and without 'spin', what we are looking to do over a 3-5 year period, with realistic and achievable targets along the way. What I can do anymore is blindly go along with slogans like 'We don't quit' or be expected to tag along and pay my money when I've got no idea what the hell is going on. I just can't do that anymore. I'm weary and tired of all the constant kicks to the gut that seem to come with being a Bulls fan.

TL:DR Give me something to believe in, and I'm on board

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:11 pm  

2018? Well...can it be any worse than 2017? (I almost don't want to ask that, as everytime in the last 10 years when I think we've hit bottom, we seem to find a way to delve even deeper!)

Paul is correct above, we need two things before we can hope for anything in 2018.
Clarity from the RFL/SL what the plan is for the league structure over the next 3-5 years. Then clarity and honesty from our owners about how we're finally going to move forward and build within whatever that structure is including how we're funded and whats happening (if anything) with Odsal.

Full time, with Odsal, in league 1 doesn't add up for very long. Part time and unsuccessful in League 1 doesn't keep enough fans for very long.

If I really try to be positive, I'm hopeful at least we might be able to look forward to a proper preseason and a squad built to meet the demands of whichever league we are in (assuming we continue to water our magic money tree and wear our cloth that has been cut just so...)

Assuming we do start 2018 in L1, we might be able to finally look forward to a year without people constantly calling us out for being RFL favourites/pet etc.

oh, and I'm looking forward to starting on zero points, that'll be a right bonus.

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:14 pm  

bowlingboy wrote:

As we can all probably agree 2017 is def one to forget as expected before it started, what do we have to look forward to in 2018?

the following are signed on for next year..

Willie Tonga
Ashley Gibson
Lee Smith

Can anyone else draw some positives to look forward to next year??

If we drop down a division those contracts will probably be void, just like when a team drops from SL to Champ. There's also no guarantee we'll stay full time, right now I can't see any feasible way of us doing it financially.

So no, there is nothing to look forward to in 2018.

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:22 pm  

Bullmans Parade wrote:

and a good chance of still being involved in the Summer Bash... by getting to the iPro cup final (or whatever its called these days)

Afraid not. The clubs voted to scrap that for next season.

[Bulliac]

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:33 pm  

Nothus wrote:

If we drop down a division those contracts will probably be void, just like when a team drops from SL to Champ. There's also no guarantee we'll stay full time, right now I can't see any feasible way of us doing it financially.

So no, there is nothing to look forward to in 2018.

I did wonder about that myself. I don't know at all what the situation is but I'd guess you're correct.

I also wonder if Geoff Toovey is the right man to guide us through this period, though. We need a coach who can develop and bring through young players and this isn't anywhere on Geoff's CV. His success in the NRL came with a top level side in which he had just retired as a player, but was still a very potent force. The reason he left (looking from afar) was because he couldn't bring in new players to improve the side and it went downhill. Geoff was a top player, no doubts, but I don't buy the idea he is a 'great' coach.

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:40 pm  

HamsterChops wrote:

Afraid not. The clubs voted to scrap that for next season.

Oh did they? I wasn't aware of that. Suppose it's one less distraction for next season.

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:42 pm  

Nothus wrote:

If we drop down a division those contracts will probably be void, just like when a team drops from SL to Champ. There's also no guarantee we'll stay full time, right now I can't see any feasible way of us doing it financially.

So no, there is nothing to look forward to in 2018.

I don't agree, it was plain to see about 8 weeks ago we were going down if there isn't a restructure.
It would have been a very pointless charade to sign Hallas, Tonga and Gibson on longer term contracts than the end of 2017.

it begs the question again is there a master plan? but if I am honest I don't care whether there is or not.
It would just be nice to turn up at Odsal and not be disappointed, if we are in league 1 who cares as long as we have players that want to be there and have a dig.

That's the only way we are going to attract people to come back to watch games, even with Green and ferret's super squad there were players there that clearly didn't want to be.
Look at Swinton yesterday they were truly terrible but celebrated every Bull's mistake or penalty like they had won the Grand final.

Full time or part time doesn't matter either, some of the Full timers we have like Thomas, Macanni, Halafhi, and Mendeika wouldn't get into Siddal or West Bowlings starting line ups.
A hybrid system to cherry pick the best on offer is the best for us,

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:51 pm  

Bullmans Parade wrote: Oh did they? I wasn't aware of that. Suppose it's one less distraction for next season. Forget where the initial report of it was (may have just been a journo on twitter or in one of the papers), but this article mentions it: http://www.nwemail.co.uk/darwin-nwe-mail/Money-worries-behind-vote-to-scrap-League-One-Cup-says-Barrow-Raiders-chairman-4b5fcd4d-a39f-4fd8-a77f-ab446bc9d093-ds

Bullmans Parade wrote: Oh did they? I wasn't aware of that. Suppose it's one less distraction for next season. Forget where the initial report of it was (may have just been a journo on twitter or in one of the papers), but this article mentions it: http://www.nwemail.co.uk/darwin-nwe-mail/Money-worries-behind-vote-to-scrap-League-One-Cup-says-Barrow-Raiders-chairman-4b5fcd4d-a39f-4fd8-a77f-ab446bc9d093-ds

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 1:06 pm  

Bulliac wrote:

Geoff was a top player, no doubts, but I don't buy the idea he is a 'great' coach.

As is often the case, top class players don't always make top class coaches.

Re: 2018 : Mon Jul 24, 2017 1:08 pm  

bowlingboy wrote:

Can anyone else draw some positives to look forward to next year??

The Keighley derby games