"The hardest hitting professional rugby league player in the world"
Has he ever played rugby union?
Playing against willing amateurs.
Someone needs to have a serious word with the egos running Bradford Salem and discuss how to develop a club and rugby. This is dangerous short-term desperation.
He's in their squad tomorrow.
https://youtu.be/aii6QVemPcQ?si=36oSQdVI8XCO96P6
SassySideline bet you feel a clown now ??? ??? . Your a joke of a club
It certainly seems that SassySideline wasn't aware of the full facts.
It is ridiculous. I am friends with a couple from Salem, but in the throes of a crowd funding exercise, to ensure the clubs survival long term, paying these players whilst playing undoubtedly some easy on the eye rugby, it smacks of poor management. After all where will it all end when somebodys money runs out. all the local lads have gone elsewhere, and nothing is left. Could Salem in a few years be Yorkshires, Worcester, Wasps, or London Irish. Or more locally a Wakefield, Headingley, Roundhay. All now extinct through financial largesse and mis management.
We played (the once mighty) Waterloo two weeks ago and they have burned through almost £1.4M paying coaches and players and found themselves £100k in debt. This was wiped out by their sponsors and they are now (I believe) an amateur club, self sustaining, with fantastic facilities and are determined not to revert to the "bad old days".
Salem be warned.
Need to calm down the player in question is 34 years old and is out of contract championship rugby league player. He has played RU before albeit not professionally. The videos on YouTube are from is hey day in his 20's playing in the NRL. The guy is good friends with current and past players of the club who all support a foundation for mental health. The squad has 7 players tomorrow who have come through the junior system and plenty of others who have 50+ 1st team appearances.
Anyone with a heart beat is entitled to play Rugby, other clubs have past & current professional RL playing.
7! fairplay ac/dc! fairplay.
Quote from: ac/dc on Oct 24, 2025, 10:22 AMNeed to calm down the player in question is 34 years old and is out of contract championship rugby league player. He has played RU before albeit not professionally. The videos on YouTube are from is hey day in his 20's playing in the NRL. The guy is good friends with current and past players of the club who all support a foundation for mental health. The squad has 7 players tomorrow who have come through the junior system and plenty of others who have 50+ 1st team appearances.
Anyone with a heart beat is entitled to play Rugby, other clubs have past & current professional RL playing.
A different perspective which is worth hearing. That's the benefit of the forum. It gives an opportunity for both sides of an 'argument' to be aired.
Although presumably his pals at the club are the other semi-pro rugby league players.
Good to see players coming through the ranks, certainly the best way to do it if it's possible.
Thanks,
He's been coming down to the club for a few years now. The club is trying its best on the youth and junior section, it's been very hard especially where we are based in Bradford anybody who has visited will understand ! But things are improving and we have fielded a second team every game this season, which we only managed a handful last year.
Salem embraced the "semi-pro" code many years ago and it took them to Twickenham a couple of times. They lost a lot of friends doing so though, like the Bees down the road.
I hope the "7" get as well looked after as the RL boys.
Quote from: ac/dc on Oct 24, 2025, 10:22 AMNeed to calm down the player in question is 34 years old and is out of contract championship rugby league player. He has played RU before albeit not professionally. The videos on YouTube are from is hey day in his 20's playing in the NRL. The guy is good friends with current and past players of the club who all support a foundation for mental health. The squad has 7 players tomorrow who have come through the junior system and plenty of others who have 50+ 1st team appearances.
Anyone with a heart beat is entitled to play Rugby, other clubs have past & current professional RL playing.
You would hope they get paid the same amount or at least a similar fee.
Everyone has a right to play rugby and I agree with that point so I take that on board too ac/dc however the moral question is should a professional fully fit athlete that is conditioned for championship/superleague be facing amateur players at level 6 of rugby. I think everyones grievance is at the club (who beg for money) - not the individual playing - if he can earn a few hundred bob a week then nobody can begrudge the individual.
fantastic comment regarding the mental health commitment.
I think it is fantastic what Salem are doing, bringing in the bruisers to inspire the younger generation and passing on the skills they have learned from world class players and coaches around the globe. I would hate to lose an away fixture in such a great part of the country, so keep spending the money and hopefully everything will work out just fine
Quote from: ac/dc on Oct 24, 2025, 10:22 AMNeed to calm down the player in question is 34 years old and is out of contract championship rugby league player. He has played RU before albeit not professionally. The videos on YouTube are from is hey day in his 20's playing in the NRL. The guy is good friends with current and past players of the club who all support a foundation for mental health. The squad has 7 players tomorrow who have come through the junior system and plenty of others who have 50+ 1st team appearances.
Anyone with a heart beat is entitled to play Rugby, other clubs have past & current professional RL playing.
Like it matters that he is 34 years old, Sonny Bill Williams was playing in the 2019 RWC at 34 stop trying to justify it.
Like people have said its ok to have the odd "Retired" ex pro that's a bit older and a bit slower but having current RL Professionals that have played at the top flight of the NRL and Super league as well as International appearances is mental.
It is dangerous to the young lads making their debuts at Level 6 rugby.
Imagine he plays against a 17 year old Debutant who is playing opposite him on his wing its stupid and for what to win a Yorkshire cup, To get promoted or to play at Twickenham in the PJ Cup?
Bradford Salem must be a great club to be a part of.
Quote from: avinastella on Oct 24, 2025, 01:59 PMQuote from: Pockroach on Oct 24, 2025, 12:49 PMI think it is fantastic what Salem are doing, bringing in the bruisers to inspire the younger generation and passing on the skills they have learned from world class players and coaches around the globe. I would hate to lose an away fixture in such a great part of the country, so keep spending the money and hopefully everything will work out just fine
Can we assume you are new to Pocklington?
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/castleford-tigers-star-bureta-faraimo-set-to-make-rugby-union-appearance-59556/
We still have minis and juniors wanting to touch the number 14 jersey to this day because of that man. So, like I said, keep doing what you're doing.
Quote from: Pockroach on Oct 24, 2025, 02:13 PMQuote from: avinastella on Oct 24, 2025, 01:59 PMQuote from: Pockroach on Oct 24, 2025, 12:49 PMI think it is fantastic what Salem are doing, bringing in the bruisers to inspire the younger generation and passing on the skills they have learned from world class players and coaches around the globe. I would hate to lose an away fixture in such a great part of the country, so keep spending the money and hopefully everything will work out just fine
Can we assume you are new to Pocklington?
https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/castleford-tigers-star-bureta-faraimo-set-to-make-rugby-union-appearance-59556/
We still have minis and juniors wanting to touch the number 14 jersey to this day because of that man. So, like I said, keep doing what you're doing.
Beyond parody
Time to get some predictions in for this weekend I think lads.
Whats odds are we getting on a hattrick for the NRL star?
Might head dowm to watch Bradford now seeing as they are fielding superstars. Should be some brilliant rugby.
In all honisty though at Nat 2 level playing ex pros I get but at regional 2 level it seems a bit wasted when you could put money in to a club for the actual community and improve it. Unless they aren't getting paid and are simply playing at Bradford for the love of the club and area...
Quote from: SomecrapbackfromWestYorks on Oct 24, 2025, 02:28 PMTime to get some predictions in for this weekend I think lads.
Whats odds are we getting on a hattrick for the NRL star?
Might head dowm to watch Bradford now seeing as they are fielding superstars. Should be some brilliant rugby.
In all honisty though at Nat 2 level playing ex pros I get but at regional 2 level it seems a bit wasted when you could put money in to a club for the actual community and improve it. Unless they aren't getting paid and are simply playing at Bradford for the love of the club and area...
They won Counties Yorkshire 1 and the cup double 23 / 24 season with the two Doncaster lads, I doubt the fans think it was a waste, even if they were asked to pay towards the "unexpected bill"
I don't care if clubs want to pay players and I actually think ex NRL players like that will drive interest in the sport at our level and grow the junior game at those clubs. It was great for our lads and I'm sure others as well to be able to say they'd gone up against international players fresh from professional super league clubs, even if Matagi did hit me so hard I felt like I'd been in a car crash! The issue I have is forking out thick brown envelopes for these (and other) players and then turning round and begging for cash via crowdfunder.
Good luck to Salem. Decent people and a club with below average player facilities, compared to the clubs they are playing against, (Scarbs,Selby,Donny,Brods,Morley,Pock, Malton) to name but a few. unless the crowd funding has changed things. Its up to every club how they organise themselves with regard to playing personnel
Wish Salem well and sincerely hope it does not go Pete Tong in next few years.
Quote from: backrowbandit on Oct 24, 2025, 08:26 AM"The hardest hitting professional rugby league player in the world"
Has he ever played rugby union?
Playing against willing amateurs.
Someone needs to have a serious word with the egos running Bradford Salem and discuss how to develop a club and rugby. This is dangerous short-term desperation.
He's in their squad tomorrow.
https://youtu.be/aii6QVemPcQ?si=36oSQdVI8XCO96P6
He wasnt even the hardest hitter on his edge at Manley ;D ;D ;D
Massively over hyped and under delivered in England.
Quote from: ac/dc on Oct 24, 2025, 10:22 AMNeed to calm down the player in question is 34 years old and is out of contract championship rugby league player. He has played RU before albeit not professionally. The videos on YouTube are from is hey day in his 20's playing in the NRL. The guy is good friends with current and past players of the club who all support a foundation for mental health. The squad has 7 players tomorrow who have come through the junior system and plenty of others who have 50+ 1st team appearances.
Anyone with a heart beat is entitled to play Rugby, other clubs have past & current professional RL playing.
100%
some people on an early Friday session and not thinking straight? you have to remember the time, love, effort and cost to clubs to bring up their own players through with people following in there brothers and dads footsteps.
Community clubs are the cornerstone of our game and in times of need theyd all look out for each other.
Salem are begging for money and spending hundreds a week on professionals who are coming up against community players.
few people seem to be a few pennies short of a pound
Quote from: FlankSinatra on Oct 24, 2025, 03:22 PMsome people on an early Friday session and not thinking straight? you have to remember the time, love, effort and cost to clubs to bring up their own players through with people following in there brothers and dads footsteps.
Community clubs are the cornerstone of our game and in times of need theyd all look out for each other.
Salem are begging for money and spending hundreds a week on professionals who are coming up against community players.
few people seem to be a few pennies short of a pound
Completely agree - I do however think there are a fair few number of players in this league that would enjoy the challenge of playing against these 'superstars' even if it does result in a sore shoulder the next day. I'm not sure how many players comment on the forum but it would be interesting to get a few opinions from the players
Pock brought an ex rugby league player on at 8 partway through the match last week. He changed the game for them (as well as our yellow cards)
Pock's 'ex rugby league player' played amateur rugby league as a teenager in York then gave up the 13-a-side game. A couple of years later he played an odd game of rugby union for Rowntrees then moved to leave a Pock. Not excactly an ex-NRL or Superleague big hitter but he has become a much valued squad player for us.
BTW when the Scarboro' centre was yellow carded that had so much effect on the game, the Pocklington centre who he grappled with also saw yellow so both sides went down to 14.
Be interested to know what motivated half of Scarborough's first team to relocate to Scarborough from the southern hemisphere?
Can't imagine they are just getting a free chippy and a go on the waltzers..
Glad to see some sense from some members. Supporters have absolutely no say in player recruitment as you well know. Been at the club 35 years, it's a brilliant club, family feel and great atmosphere. We aren't the only club to do this as you also well know, and no I don't feel like a clown thanks and no I didn't know the facts until you probably did. I can't wait to watch the match today. Have a great rugby day all. Rugby for the win 🏆
Quote from: Pristine Shorts on Oct 24, 2025, 11:46 AMSalem embraced the "semi-pro" code many years ago and it took them to Twickenham a couple of times. They lost a lot of friends doing so though, like the Bees down the road.
Our teamsheet from our 2007 trip to twickenham, had not one professional or ex professional player. #factcheck
Quote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 11:11 AMGlad to see some sense from some members. Supporters have absolutely no say in player recruitment as you well know. Been at the club 35 years, it's a brilliant club, family feel and great atmosphere. We aren't the only club to do this as you also well know, and no I don't feel like a clown thanks and no I didn't know the facts until you probably did. I can't wait to watch the match today. Have a great rugby day all. Rugby for the win 🏆
Well said, I do think there are a few on here casting aspersions from their glass houses. Whilst the Just Giving account was ironic at best, the supporters aren't responsible for that and how long are people going to keep banging on about it?
I was at the cup semi a few seasons ago and the atmosphere for the game and in the clubhouse after was brilliant, although it was the same decor in the club as all the christenings and birthdays I went to in the 90's!
Quote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 11:21 AMQuote from: Pristine Shorts on Oct 24, 2025, 11:46 AMSalem embraced the "semi-pro" code many years ago and it took them to Twickenham a couple of times. They lost a lot of friends doing so though, like the Bees down the road.
Our teamsheet from our 2007 trip to twickenham, had not one professional or ex professional player. #factcheck
Does Fogi being on the books at Bradford City count as being an ex-professional sportsman? 😂
Quote from: PocknRoll on Oct 25, 2025, 12:00 PMQuote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 11:11 AMGlad to see some sense from some members. Supporters have absolutely no say in player recruitment as you well know. Been at the club 35 years, it's a brilliant club, family feel and great atmosphere. We aren't the only club to do this as you also well know, and no I don't feel like a clown thanks and no I didn't know the facts until you probably did. I can't wait to watch the match today. Have a great rugby day all. Rugby for the win 🏆
Well said, I do think there are a few on here casting aspersions from their glass houses. Whilst the Just Giving account was ironic at best, the supporters aren't responsible for that and how long are people going to keep banging on about it?
I was at the cup semi a few seasons ago and the atmosphere for the game and in the clubhouse after was brilliant, although it was the same decor in the club as all the christenings and birthdays I went to in the 90's!
👍🏻 we have had a facelift inside recently. Welcome anytime.
As a supporter yes the go fund me was embarrassing to be honest, and the players also felt that. But that wasn't us it was the powers that be. Perhaps these players come to us because we are genuinely a brilliant club.
Quote from: PocknRoll on Oct 25, 2025, 12:02 PMQuote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 11:21 AMQuote from: Pristine Shorts on Oct 24, 2025, 11:46 AMSalem embraced the "semi-pro" code many years ago and it took them to Twickenham a couple of times. They lost a lot of friends doing so though, like the Bees down the road.
Our teamsheet from our 2007 trip to twickenham, had not one professional or ex professional player. #factcheck
Does Fogi being on the books at Bradford City count as being an ex-professional sportsman? 😂
😂😂😂 it will definitely count to the moaners (even though it was 30 years ago)
Quote from: FlankSinatra on Oct 24, 2025, 09:55 AMSassySideline bet you feel a clown now ??? ??? . Your a joke of a club
🙄 you're
Entitled to your opinion as is everyone 👍🏻
Quote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 12:14 PMQuote from: PocknRoll on Oct 25, 2025, 12:00 PMQuote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 11:11 AMGlad to see some sense from some members. Supporters have absolutely no say in player recruitment as you well know. Been at the club 35 years, it's a brilliant club, family feel and great atmosphere. We aren't the only club to do this as you also well know, and no I don't feel like a clown thanks and no I didn't know the facts until you probably did. I can't wait to watch the match today. Have a great rugby day all. Rugby for the win 🏆
Well said, I do think there are a few on here casting aspersions from their glass houses. Whilst the Just Giving account was ironic at best, the supporters aren't responsible for that and how long are people going to keep banging on about it?
I was at the cup semi a few seasons ago and the atmosphere for the game and in the clubhouse after was brilliant, although it was the same decor in the club as all the christenings and birthdays I went to in the 90's!
👍🏻 we have had a facelift inside recently. Welcome anytime.
As a supporter yes the go fund me was embarrassing to be honest, and the players also felt that. But that wasn't us it was the powers that be. Perhaps these players come to us because we are genuinely a brilliant club.
That's great to hear that you are investing in your facilities. In the long run it should be ever clubs number one priority. Leaving good facilities for the next generation will ensure your club is here for the next generation to enjoy.
Players come and go but the walls you build last forever.
Quote from: SassySideline on Oct 25, 2025, 01:04 PMQuote from: FlankSinatra on Oct 24, 2025, 09:55 AMSassySideline bet you feel a clown now ??? ??? . Your a joke of a club
🙄 you're
Entitled to your opinion as is everyone 👍🏻
Without opinions there would be no forum.....as long as we remember rugby values.
Lots of opinions on here with little knowledge of the facts.
Like the saying goes opinions are like ar5eholes, everyone has one.
At the end of the day as long as we get to see some great rugby and the players demonstrate the values on and off the pitch we are all happy!