Potter – Critics don’t worry us

Bradford coach Mick Potter says that people are entitled to an opinion, but believes his side are in much better shape than they were this time last year.

Some quarters have predicted the Bulls to struggle this term and finish towards the bottom of the table, following a disappointing end to last season that saw them finish 10th for the second successive season.

Potter said: “People are entitled to their opinions. I think we’re a better team than we were last year. If people think we’re the worst team then that’s fine, it doesn’t bother us.

“We’ll just do our best at the weekend, and do our best the weekend after that.

“The first goal is to win our first game at Odsal against Catalan. The next goal is to make the top eight. Once you make the top eight, it’s a whole new competition.”

Bradford have swooped for two new half backs in the close season, in the shape of Luke Gale and Jarrod Sammut, who join from Harlequins and Crusaders respectively.

Potter added: “They’re pivotal to us. They’ll touch the ball the most when we’re moving forward, giving us direction, and they both bring a good kicking game. They take the line on which is part of the reason they’re there, and they’ll create place for our other players to take the ball forward.

“Gale wanted to come to the club, he was available. Sammut was available. They are both players with ability to unlock defences in other teams, and that’s what we needed.

“Those sort of players aren’t readily available every year, and these two were, and they fitted the bill nicely.”

As well as Gale and Sammut, the Bulls have also brought in Super League experience in the shape of Elliot Kear from Crusaders, while Karl Pryce rejoins the club following spells at Wigan and Harlequins.

From Down Under, Bradford have signed winger Adrian Purtell, centre Keith Lulia and Manase Maunokafos from Parramatta Eels.