HOLMES PRAISES RUTHLESS DEFENSIVE DISPLAY

Tom Holmes believes the focus on being ‘ruthless’ in defence laid the platform for the Bulls’ 32-6 win over Batley Bulldogs at Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Friday night.

The full-back made his return from a 12-week lay-off with an impressive display off the interchange bench against York, before getting the nod for his first start against the Bulldogs. 

Having had an early try disallowed for a forward pass, the 29-year-old would eventually get the score his performance deserved in the closing stages as the Bulls returned to winning ways. 

“Obviously we were really happy to get the win. We know Batley are going through a difficult spell at the minute but we always knew that they are a team that never goes away so we were happy with just the six points against us,” said Holmes, who is sponsored by Top Notch NW Ltd. 

“We’ve done a lot of work this week on defending our own line and being more ruthless in that area, so we have only conceded one and we were disappointed with that one, but we defended our line really well at the end. 

“We could’ve easily just let one in at the back end but we are happy to have kept it to six. At half-time we just talked about the six points against us. We would have been happy to finish with the game at 10-6 or whatever it was at half-time, as long as they didn’t score another. 

“We know we can score some points, we’ve got real strike all over the field but defending is an area we do need to be better and more ruthless with. We’re targeting being consistent in defence and obviously we’re happy with how we’ve gone after the full-time whistle. 

“We spoke about the extra efforts and one-percenters in the conditions we were going to be playing in. A job for me was getting my sprint metres in and being around the ball, they can be dangerous and batter you with some of the kicks and plays they put on so my focus was being in the right position at the right time. 

Holmes’ return came at a welcome time for both the player and head coach Brian Noble, following the injury sustained by Luke Hooley earlier this month.

With Hooley now on the verge of being in contention for a return to action himself, Bradford’s No. 1 believes the competition will enhance both players’ performances.

“Luke [Hooley] obviously pulled out with an injury, so it gave me a way back in. I didn’t expect to play 60 minutes last week but that wasn’t the plan as Mitch went down injured but I was training fully for a couple of weeks prior so I was ready to play. 

“With Luke being injured it’s put me back in the full-back position straight away and it’s good that there’s the competition as Luke will be back soon. 

“It’s good for us both, we’re both fighting for a spot and that competition makes us both play better. 

“I am happy to be back in the team, I did not expect to be back straight away but I am trying to take it with both hands and put some good performances together.”