INSIDE KNOWLEDGE

With the 2025 squad numbers now released, Let’s have a go at predicting Brian Noble’s starting 13 this is no mean feat with a squad full of size and top-level experience it almost has a feel of Noble’s previous era at the helm.

Fullback,
I can’t look past Tom Holmes (1) after last pre-season’s off-field struggles and carrying a knee injury through the back end of the year Tom only had the opportunity to show glimpses of his ability playing at fullback. We can only hope that after a full training camp and the size of the pack he now has in front of him 2025 could be a special year for both Holmes and the fans.

Wingers,
Guy Armitage (5) and Jorge Taufua (23) would be my current go-to for the wing spots Armitage signing from Toulouse Olympique comes to Odsal with a healthy record of 47 tries in 65 rugby league matches the Bulls will hope he continues to find the line at this rate in 2025, Taufua who is already a fan favourite known for his strong returns and his stronger touchline tackles would be my current pick to partner Guy. Note that the 2 shirt is still unassigned so could the Bulls still be in the market for a winger?

Centres,
Kieran Gill (4) since signing for the Bulls in 2022 he has crossed the line for an impressive 59 tries in 88 games I don’t see any reason he can’t continue to add to this tally despite the change of both Bulls halfbacks, Waqa Blake (3) somewhat of a coup for the Bulls coming in from St Helens the Fijian international should be looking to use the Championship to get back to the promise he showed back in the NRL and should he get close to this the Bulls could have the best centre in the league.

Halfbacks,
I have to follow the squad numbers here James Meadows (6) and Joe Keyes (7) not many sides will be looking to start the season with a completely new half-partnership but this one has the potential to achieve something special in 2025, Meadows returning to the Championship after a season in Super League with London and Keyes enjoying a successful international series with Irland they can be nothing but excited about the Bradford side they will be tasked to lead around the field in 2025.

Prop forwards,
I wouldn’t fancy Noble’s job here with no fewer than six extremely strong props in his squad rotation is surely on the cards for these men this season, That said in the dream situation where all are fit and available I would have to go with. Michael Lawrence (8) and Nathan Mason (16) both players bring size and Super League experience they would undotable lay a strong platform for the rest of the forwards to make telling impacts from the bench.

Hooker,
Mitch Souter (14) was one of last season’s standouts at Odsal the young Australian showing his class both by controlling his forwards around the field and splitting opponents’ defences with his speed from the ruck he would be my go-to once again in 2025.

Second Rows,
After taunting the fans with a possible return home the Bulls really have worked their magic to ensure Zac Fulton (11) will continue to light up the Championship in the Red, Amber and Black.
Emmanuel Waine (21) another mountain of a man comes in from London he suffered an injury hit year in the Super League but in the few games he did manage to play his ability was there for all to see, Another signing of real intent from Bradford the fans will be looking forward to seeing Waine torment defences this season.

Loose Forward,
Once again leaning into the squad numbers handed out by Noble I can’t look past James Donaldson (13) returning to Odsal where it all started for him the veteran forward will look to guide Bradford Bulls back towards the promise land of Super League, His leadership along with his unforgiving work rate will no doubt see him being one of the first names on Brian’s team sheet every week.

The bench does not get any easier for Noble with the depth of his squad still hosting players with Super League, NRL and international experience still fighting for a shirt in his final seventeen each week,

Jordan Lilley (9) although he finds himself handed the 9 shirt this season his utility from the bench should see him play most weeks. 
Franklin Pele (17) and Ebon Scurr (10) will surely be the go-to impact players Noble will inject most weeks, Their highlight reels already bursting with line breaks and tries the pare will surely continue to strike fear into anyone put in front of them.
Jayden Okunbor (37) would be my 17th man offering cover for both the back line and forwards if needed, That said this final spot could be filled by any one of the high-quality players still remaining in the Bulls squad.

If we are to believe the rumours that Brian is still actively looking to add additional players to his squad following the sale of Jayden Myers to Wakefield the fans really could be in for a nostalgic season in which Noble will be looking to pain over the scars of recent years and help fans reminisce about the glory seen under his stewardship in the earl 2000’s

Written by – Terry Moon