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7:00am Tuesday 18th November 2008
Aussie superstar Steve Menzies has got his first taste of life in Bradford.
The Bulls’ major signing met his new team-mates at Grattan Stadium yesterday – as well as the customary rain and dark clouds.
“In any successful team I’ve played in, there has always been camaraderie within the side.
Steve Menzies
It was a far cry from the beaches of Sydney but Menzies joked: “It was sunny when I flew in on Sunday and I got told it was like that every day.
“I’ve been wondering where it all is now!”
The former Kangaroos Test ace, 34, took part in his first training session just hours after landing at Manchester Airport.
Menzies’ arrival is one of the Bulls’ biggest in years, with the legendary second-rower having enjoyed a success-laden career with Manly Sea Eagles.
He admitted: “It’s a bit weird having always been a one-club man but hopefully I can show everyone I can step up, play some good footie here at Bradford and put us in a position to go on and do well.
“I’ve not done anything for a few weeks so it was good to get in for my first session and I’m looking forward to getting going in Super League.” Menzies closed his NRL career in style with Manly, winning the Grand Final two months ago, and now hopes to bring that golden touch to the Bulls.
He is quickly settling into his new surroundings, ignoring the chance to get over his jet-lag by going full-steam into yesterday’s practice.
“I’ve only got one season so I wanted to spend a bit of time to get to know the boys before we start playing,” said Menzies, who has joined up earlier than expected.
“In any successful team I’ve played in, there has always been camaraderie within the side.
“It’s so important for any team to get that and from my first day here at Bradford they all seem a good bunch.
“There’s a little board up in the dressing room with three pictures of me up, including some big caricature and another the day after Manly’s Grand Final win so someone’s been busy already!
“I’m just looking forward to the Bulls calendar coming out so I can stick a few of my own up!”
The last time Menzies was in England he helped Australia lift the World Cup.
He recalled: “It’s a long time ago since I was back here.
“That was 1995 and I realised then that the English public are very passionate about their rugby league.
“It’ll be good to be on their side from now on though and I’m excited about starting here.”
Fellow new recruit Nick Scruton also joined up for the first time yesterday while Bulls Reserve Grade prop Nathan Armitage has been released and allowed to join National League One side Batley Bulldogs.
Ralphie, Queensbury says...
8:11am Tue 18 Nov 08
Gumshoe, Queensbury says...
8:33am Tue 18 Nov 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
10:14am Tue 18 Nov 08
shaun from richmond, richmond says...
10:47am Tue 18 Nov 08
Brian, Wibsey says...
12:13pm Tue 18 Nov 08
theviking52, shaw says...
12:30pm Tue 18 Nov 08
shaun from richmond wrote:is that richmond yorks or richmond south of watford.
Shocking signing!!! Over the hill and no doubt over paid!! Still, cant blame the lad for topping up his pension....and we wonder why our National team is down the drain!!!!
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
12:40pm Tue 18 Nov 08
theviking52 wrote:Hi Viking. Don't let Shaun wind you up mate, he's always at it. Many on here think he's mickster in a disguise
shaun from richmond wrote: Shocking signing!!! Over the hill and no doubt over paid!! Still, cant blame the lad for topping up his pension....and we wonder why our National team is down the drain!!!!is that richmond yorks or richmond south of watford. beaver has been brought over to help the young ones gain experience and provide solidarity in the pack. if he was here to top up his pension he'd have signed on for 2/3 years. the national team has gone done hill because of the coach and squad picked, see various reports re wellens, sinfield et al. mind you my explanation is NO HEART, NO BOTTLE, only interested in free holiday with pay.
shaun from richmond, richmond says...
3:30pm Tue 18 Nov 08
haitch wrote:Been to any games lately Haitch???
theviking52 wrote:Hi Viking. Don't let Shaun wind you up mate, he's always at it. Many on here think he's mickster in a disguiseshaun from richmond wrote: Shocking signing!!! Over the hill and no doubt over paid!! Still, cant blame the lad for topping up his pension....and we wonder why our National team is down the drain!!!!is that richmond yorks or richmond south of watford. beaver has been brought over to help the young ones gain experience and provide solidarity in the pack. if he was here to top up his pension he'd have signed on for 2/3 years. the national team has gone done hill because of the coach and squad picked, see various reports re wellens, sinfield et al. mind you my explanation is NO HEART, NO BOTTLE, only interested in free holiday with pay.
theviking52, shaw says...
5:36pm Tue 18 Nov 08
finemess, bradford says...
8:33pm Tue 18 Nov 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:41pm Tue 18 Nov 08
theviking52 wrote:Right on ALL counts Viking!!
no he's not winding me up. shaun is probably a NEW supporter, ie joined after super league formed, and in all probabilityt still goes with his dad, thro' the junior turnstile. shaun, i've followed, played for, still follow the northern/bulls. and i believe haitch has followed the bulls for some considerable time. we've paid our due, seen our games, still cheer them on, all be it from a distance so believe me when, i say, i wish i could afford the airfare, everyweek. so shaun, grow up, shut up, when you've followed a team for over 40 years then and only then question both mine and haitches loyallty.
Tricky Dicky, Brunei says...
2:25am Wed 19 Nov 08
Gumshoe, Queensbury says...
8:22am Wed 19 Nov 08
Tricky Dicky wrote:I think he will be giving his all (which from watching him for Manly is every game) to win silverware of any shape or form. Having him in the side will act as a stabaliser for us, as a few have said above, his experience will count massively, his scoring record speaks for itself and his fitness will probably embarrass one or tow of the younger players. Hope he stays fit and plays the whole season.
".... hopefuly I can put us in a position to go on and do well." and "I’ve only got one season" seem to say he's here to set up a platform or benchmark but not to win anything. Fair comment?
shaun from richmond, richmond says...
8:35am Wed 19 Nov 08
haitch wrote:Still not answering the question Haitch!!!
theviking52 wrote: no he's not winding me up. shaun is probably a NEW supporter, ie joined after super league formed, and in all probabilityt still goes with his dad, thro' the junior turnstile. shaun, i've followed, played for, still follow the northern/bulls. and i believe haitch has followed the bulls for some considerable time. we've paid our due, seen our games, still cheer them on, all be it from a distance so believe me when, i say, i wish i could afford the airfare, everyweek. so shaun, grow up, shut up, when you've followed a team for over 40 years then and only then question both mine and haitches loyallty.Right on ALL counts Viking!!
BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:31am Wed 19 Nov 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:36am Wed 19 Nov 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:40am Wed 19 Nov 08
BrisBull wrote:And I've never once seen you berate the unfortunate who cant do the same. Although not long watching you are a true supporter B Bull.
I'd like to welcome Beaver too! As has been said a number of times, he's been brought in for a specific reason. Anything to improve the team and future performances is good by me. Sorry I can't join in the p***ng competition though - have only been watching RL since 2003, though I have had a season ticket since 2005 and go to many away games (expected win or lose!) Sincere apologies, Ashamed, B_I_W
BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:47am Wed 19 Nov 08
haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:50am Wed 19 Nov 08
BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:53am Wed 19 Nov 08
micksey, Wibsey says...
10:05am Wed 19 Nov 08
shaun from richmond wrote:Shaun I wondered wherre you'd been!!! Still going overboard in the question marks???? How's your blood pressure???? It must right up there form spouting all that codswallop!!!!!
haitch wrote:Still not answering the question Haitch!!! How many games have you been to in the last couple of years???? Or are you the sort of bloke who has lots to say, but doesnt get his hand in his pocket???? As for Mr Viking, here we go again, its the ive paid my dues rubbish!! You two dont live together do you??theviking52 wrote: no he's not winding me up. shaun is probably a NEW supporter, ie joined after super league formed, and in all probabilityt still goes with his dad, thro' the junior turnstile. shaun, i've followed, played for, still follow the northern/bulls. and i believe haitch has followed the bulls for some considerable time. we've paid our due, seen our games, still cheer them on, all be it from a distance so believe me when, i say, i wish i could afford the airfare, everyweek. so shaun, grow up, shut up, when you've followed a team for over 40 years then and only then question both mine and haitches loyallty.Right on ALL counts Viking!!
spanglishbull.uk, Roldan Murcia Spain says...
10:56am Wed 19 Nov 08
shaun from richmond, richmond says...
5:33pm Wed 19 Nov 08
micksey wrote:Its me old mate "Micksey"!!!! Siberia..dont ask!!!!
shaun from richmond wrote:Shaun I wondered wherre you'd been!!! Still going overboard in the question marks???? How's your blood pressure???? It must right up there form spouting all that codswallop!!!!!haitch wrote:Still not answering the question Haitch!!! How many games have you been to in the last couple of years???? Or are you the sort of bloke who has lots to say, but doesnt get his hand in his pocket???? As for Mr Viking, here we go again, its the ive paid my dues rubbish!! You two dont live together do you??theviking52 wrote: no he's not winding me up. shaun is probably a NEW supporter, ie joined after super league formed, and in all probabilityt still goes with his dad, thro' the junior turnstile. shaun, i've followed, played for, still follow the northern/bulls. and i believe haitch has followed the bulls for some considerable time. we've paid our due, seen our games, still cheer them on, all be it from a distance so believe me when, i say, i wish i could afford the airfare, everyweek. so shaun, grow up, shut up, when you've followed a team for over 40 years then and only then question both mine and haitches loyallty.Right on ALL counts Viking!!
Eddiethepom, Brisbane says...
6:25am Tue 25 Nov 08
micksey wrote:Just a quick question Shaun.
shaun from richmond wrote:Shaun I wondered wherre you'd been!!! Still going overboard in the question marks???? How's your blood pressure???? It must right up there form spouting all that codswallop!!!!!haitch wrote:Still not answering the question Haitch!!! How many games have you been to in the last couple of years???? Or are you the sort of bloke who has lots to say, but doesnt get his hand in his pocket???? As for Mr Viking, here we go again, its the ive paid my dues rubbish!! You two dont live together do you??theviking52 wrote: no he's not winding me up. shaun is probably a NEW supporter, ie joined after super league formed, and in all probabilityt still goes with his dad, thro' the junior turnstile. shaun, i've followed, played for, still follow the northern/bulls. and i believe haitch has followed the bulls for some considerable time. we've paid our due, seen our games, still cheer them on, all be it from a distance so believe me when, i say, i wish i could afford the airfare, everyweek. so shaun, grow up, shut up, when you've followed a team for over 40 years then and only then question both mine and haitches loyallty.Right on ALL counts Viking!!
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Adey, Bradford says...
7:57am Tue 18 Nov 08
Welcome to Bradford Beaver...lets hope your stay is a fruitful and successful one.