Mixed injury news for Potter
Bulls boss Mick Potter claims that ‘there is light at the end of the tunnel’ for his injury-hit side with the likes of Jamie Langley and Danny Addy close to a return.
Despite the good news, Bradford were handed further blows last week with news of injuries to Oliver Elima, Paul Sykes, Shaun Ainscough and Matt Diskin.
Further scans have shown that Elima’s injury isn’t as serious as first thought however Sykes is likely to be out for up to three to four weeks as is Ainscough and Diskin.
Huge losses the Bulls no doubt but the injuries sustained have re-opened the door for the out of favour Kyle Briggs and the retuning Dave Halley.
Potter said: “It’s time for Kyle to show what he’s got and show that he can play at Super League level.
“Oliver (Elima) will be out for four to six weeks, that the latest I’ve heard. It’s not a ligament tear, it’s bone bruising on his tibia which is good news. The initial diagnosis was long term, maybe the whole season, so I’m pleased, providing that we can cope without him.
“Luckily Jamie Langley and Danny Addy will be back pretty soon so there is a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel as far as injuries are concerned.
“Sometimes you get them and sometimes you get players back. We’ve had quite a few in the last couple of weeks but there a few coming back now so we should be ok.
“Dave Halley has been playing 20’s over the last few weeks, he’s still a little bit tentative but with each game he seems to be getting better and better. He’s skilful, fast and athletic player so I’m hoping he’ll be pushing for a first grade spot soon.”
Despite the positive squad news, Potter admits there are still problems with his side’s communication and defence.
The former Saints boss made it clear that issues must be put right quickly if the Bulls are going to get things back on track and be successful in 2011.
“It’s simple to say but it’s our communication with each other and our trust in each other that needs to become better, that needs to become better quickly,” added Potter.
We’re letting in cheap points and we need to fix up defensively and as a team we’re not doing what we should be doing all of the time.
“We’re doing well in patches but whether it’s a concentration thing or a fitness thing, and I don’t think it is a fitness thing, we have to put it right.
“Whatever it is, it’s costing us points and I think the two Leeds games are examples of lapses in concentration.
“Concentration and trust builds with success and it builds with keeping teams at bay and as I’ve said we’re doing it in patches.”
For the Bulls a trip to East Hull on Sunday to face Justin Morgan’s Rovers. Two sides under pressure but for very different reasons.
A must win for the Bulls if they are going to turn their already dismal season around and fight for a top eight spot.
For Hull KR, a game of rugby league is just the job in terms of a distraction regarding their off field issues.