Lynch sure Bulls will be tougher mentally this year

NEW captain Andy Lynch believes Bradford Bulls are primed to prove they are no longer mentally weak.

The highly-respected prop, who takes over as captain after Paul Deacon's departure to Wigan Warriors, accepts Bradford were too soft last season when they failed to make the play-offs.

As they prepare for Friday night's Engage Super League opener against Huddersfield Giants, Lynch admitted: "The big thing for us is we have got to be mentally stronger.

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"Last year, teams were thinking if they can keep with Bradford for 20 minutes and are losing they can still come back and beat us.

"We had the skill and the ability ourselves but there were games where, if things didn't go our way, heads might drop.

"This year has to be different. No matter what score a game is, we have to know we can do it.

"If we can get everyone thinking that way it's going to be great and an exciting season.

"We're all looking forward to doing that now."

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Lynch says a tougher training regime has conditioned the squad, which includes six new signings, to be better prepared to battle through those difficult spells and – in his new captain – coach Steve McNamara has the ideal man to lead from the front.

Beginning his sixth season at Odsal since joining from Castleford Tigers, Lynch has proved one of the most reliable performers in Super League.

There has been an influx of high-profile Australian talent in an attempt to resurrect the club's fortunes, with one of those – scrum-half Matt Orford – widely tipped to be McNamara's choice as captain having led Manly to a NRL Grand Final success.

However, the Bradford coach has plumped for Lynch ahead of Orford, former Kangaroo Test star Steve Menzies and England back-row Jamie Langley.

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"Andy epitomises everything we are about at the Bulls," said McNamara.

"He's highly respected by everybody within our organisation and by every opponent in the competition as well.

"In the last three or four years, he's been a model of consistency and a great example for everyone to follow.

"Jamie Langley will be vice-captain and he's been exactly the same in terms of consistency on and off the field."

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Lynch, who led the Bulls briefly last season when both Deacon and deputy Glenn Morrison were injured, conceded he was "shocked" when told the news by McNamara.

However, adopting the mantra which will undoubtedly be key to the club's chances of success, he said: "Hopefully we're going to have 17 captains out there or 17 leaders.

"If we can do that it doesn't matter if you're the youngest player or the oldest player, or if you talk a lot or don't.

"You're going to bring something extra special to our game and hopefully we'll do well.

"My role here isn't going to change much."

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Langley, celebrating his testimonial season at Odsal, added: "It is an honour to be named vice-captain.

"We've got a lot of experienced players in the side and Steve has put together a senior players' committee with myself, Lynchy, Ox (Orford) and Beaver (Menzies).

"It does sound like a farmyard.

"It's good for me and Lynchy though to be named in there giving it all a bit of Yorkshire grit and keeping it close to home."

Lynch, meanwhile, expects a typically robust contest with Huddersfield, who stunned Super League with their highest finish of third last season and also reached Wembley.

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"The Giants are probably even stronger this season," said the 30-year-old.

"They've got Lee Gilmour in from Saints and the Kiwi David Fa'alogo but we've made some strong signings too.

"We've got to look at getting our performance right. The pressure is winning games, not getting to the play-offs, but if we get our performance right we'll end up there."

The Bulls, along with Hull FC and Warrington Wolves, are looking to break back into the top eight.

McNamara said: "It's going to be tough for everyone involved there and again there will be some disappointment for some sides this season.

"But it certainly won't be the Bulls."