Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty spoke to the media to confirm a couple of injury boosts for the club, however, he explained they’re still a light squad and would therefore be open to looking into the loan market.
Tasked with recruiting a full Super League squad on short notice following their IMG promotion, it’s a credit to Haggerty and Bradford that they sit fourth in Super League, one spot below this weekend’s opponents St Helens.
When asked about that high-flying position, Haggerty admitted: “I didn’t know that on the table. I don’t look at the table. We’re really happy. We’ve had a decent start with two from three, but again, we’ve got a really big challenge this week.”
That challenge will be made easier by the fact that Bradford did not pick up any injuries in Sunday’s win over Toulouse, something Haggerty labelled as a first in his time at the Bulls. He was also able to confirm the return of another player.
Haggerty explained: “Guy Armitage is fit, so Guy’s dropped into the squad, he’s just waiting for his opportunity. Apart from that, we’re pretty much as we were.”
Fitness boosts confirmed for Bulls
Outside back Armitage will have last week’s hat-trick hero Ethan Ryan and off-season signing Connor Wynne in front of him, however, Haggerty was positive that Armitage can offer plenty in this new Bulls system.
The Bradford coach said: “He’s a big boy, for sure. He’s got a strong yardage carry, and once he gets his systems right defensively, I think he could be a real weapon for us on the edge.”
There was also positive news regarding injured half Jayden Nikorima, who has been dealing with a calf strain that was expected to rule him out until the back end of the month, or even early April.
Stopping short of confirming a return date, Haggerty did share positive news: “Jayden is moving really well, and he possibly could be back a little bit earlier, but I wouldn’t like to put a time frame on it. Everybody (else) is progressing nicely.”
Dan Russell and Jayden Okunhor suffered three-month lay-offs in round one whilst Ebon Scurr is expected to miss six weeks, with Joe Keyes another who the Bulls are without.
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Bradford Bulls open to making loan moves but on one condition
Asked about the prospect of loans, Haggerty explained that Bradford would be keen to listen to any offers, adding that any recruit must be a good fit, albeit at no specific position.
He said: “It certainly has to be the right person that comes into the club, we won’t rush anything, because we play quite unique, and you’ve got to fit in as a person to come into our environment.”
As for which positions, Haggerty added: “I think probably every area because we’re still a relatively light squad. We’ve got a lot of young kids in there, so it’s very hard to just pinpoint one area that we think we need to strengthen.
“We probably need a couple of bodies, if I’m honest, but ultimately, again, it has to be the right people to come into our environment.
“I certainly won’t rush a decision of bringing somebody in just to make up numbers, it has to work for us.”
