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Menzies flies straight into work

7:00am Tuesday 18th November 2008

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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.


Your Say YourBradford

Adey, Bradford says...
7:57am Tue 18 Nov 08

Now that has to be the weirdest sight I've ever seen...Steve Menzies in a Bulls shirt...it hardly seems real!

Welcome to Bradford Beaver...lets hope your stay is a fruitful and successful one.

Ralphie, Queensbury says...
8:11am Tue 18 Nov 08

Better keep him out of the city centre or he'll be on the next plane back home!

Gumshoe, Queensbury says...
8:33am Tue 18 Nov 08

Don't know whether I would class him as a 'major' signing but I for one am looking forward to what he can bring to our club. I am sure Macca and co will be picking his brains as well as the young guys.

Welcome Beaver, hope you have a good season with us and help us get back to where we belong!!

haitch, Lincolnshire says...
10:14am Tue 18 Nov 08

We must welcome Steve with open arms. This guy is a true legend and as Adey says, seeing him in a Bulls shirt is amazing. Get ready for a step up in attitudes. Just having this guy around the place is exactly what is needed.

shaun from richmond, richmond says...
10:47am Tue 18 Nov 08

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!!!!

Brian, Wibsey says...
12:13pm Tue 18 Nov 08

Was awesome in the Grand Final for Manly in the toughest comp in the world.

Come on Beaver, COME ON YOU BULLS!!!

theviking52, shaw says...
12:30pm Tue 18 Nov 08

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.


haitch, Lincolnshire says...
12:40pm Tue 18 Nov 08

theviking52 wrote:
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.
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, richmond says...
3:30pm Tue 18 Nov 08

haitch wrote:
theviking52 wrote:
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.
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
Been to any games lately Haitch???
Or are you one of those guys who has a lot to say, but never gets his hand in his pocket??

theviking52, shaw says...
5:36pm Tue 18 Nov 08

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.

finemess, bradford says...
8:33pm Tue 18 Nov 08

There is no question in my mind as to whether Menzies will be a success here at the Bulls. Here we have an outstanding australian international who is a committed, passionate and loyal individual, oozing with a experience who a couple of months ago played in the winning NRL grand final.
His name will be the first on the teamsheet make no mistake about that. Watch for a massive improvement from the rest of the squad to follow.

Ex Dudley hill 1978-1984
Ex Baildon rufc
Bradford northern supporter since 1965 and bradford bulls supporter since super league formed!

haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:41pm Tue 18 Nov 08

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!!

Tricky Dicky, Brunei says...
2:25am Wed 19 Nov 08

".... 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?

Gumshoe, Queensbury says...
8:22am Wed 19 Nov 08

Tricky Dicky wrote:
".... 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?
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.

Wonder if he will be offered captains armband???

shaun from richmond, richmond says...
8:35am Wed 19 Nov 08

haitch wrote:
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!!
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??

BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:31am Wed 19 Nov 08

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

haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:36am Wed 19 Nov 08

If Menzies shows just a fraction of what he is capable of he'll be head and shoulders above most of our players.
I'll be watching when I can and supporting my beloved Bulls from afar! There is no way of draining my Red Amber and Black Blood after almost 50 years of support.
Can't wait for the new season which is looking promising as Macca continues to edge the Bulls back to prominence. COME ON YOU BULLS!!

haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:40am Wed 19 Nov 08

BrisBull wrote:
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
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.

BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:47am Wed 19 Nov 08

Thanks haitch - I'm in the same position as you.

Originally from Bristol some 20-odd years ago, I still support my home town club from afar, and my job allows me to catch the odd game - but not many.

My fellow supporters seem to think it's laudable that I still support them at all!

I believe the same applies to you.

Keep the faith! (we're not all blinkered)

haitch, Lincolnshire says...
9:50am Wed 19 Nov 08

BrisBull I will never use the phrase "kick and clap" again Lol!!

BrisBull, B-I-W says...
9:53am Wed 19 Nov 08

It's worse than that - it's kick and clap - and Wendyball (never understood that one at all!)

It was my poor upbringing.

micksey, Wibsey says...
10:05am Wed 19 Nov 08

shaun from richmond wrote:
haitch wrote:
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!!
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??
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!!!!!

spanglishbull.uk, Roldan Murcia Spain says...
10:56am Wed 19 Nov 08


You dont need to go to every game Shaun from Richmond to be a supporter.Inow live in Spain so cannot see many games at all. However I started watching Northern in 1950 and then the Bulls until I moved here in 2007.I think that makes me eligible to pass comment same as haitch .Dont you.

shaun from richmond, richmond says...
5:33pm Wed 19 Nov 08

micksey wrote:
shaun from richmond wrote:
haitch wrote:
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!!
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??
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!!!!!
Its me old mate "Micksey"!!!! Siberia..dont ask!!!!
But im back now, to give my positive input.
Sorry to hear Wibsey wmc has closed! what on earth are you doing with your time?????????

Eddiethepom, Brisbane says...
6:25am Tue 25 Nov 08

micksey wrote:
shaun from richmond wrote:
haitch wrote:
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!!
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??
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!!!!!
Just a quick question Shaun.

I have lived in Australia for the past 2 years, when I am back in the UK I go to all Bulls games that I can.

Does this mean I am not a real fan?

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