Macca hails triumph over adversity

Bradford saw prop Joe Vagana sent-off just before the break - only the third player dismissed in Super League this year - as referee Steve Ganson made a typically controversial first return to Odsal.

They had already lost pivotal skipper Paul Deacon during the warm-up and were without fellow playmaker Iestyn Harris and the suspended Michael Platt. But the gutsy Bulls powered to a 38-24 triumph, leaving McNamara in awe.

"In terms of character, it's probably one of the best performances I've ever had," he said, as his side kept up the pressure on the top two.

"We had Glenn Morrison starting at six, and he's not a six, while we had Ian Henderson starting at seven, and he's not a seven.

"After losing Deacs before the kick-off there was no tactical stuff we could change. It was just roll your sleeves up, grind it out and pick up any scraps you can. It was a fantastic effort."

McNamara signalled out 18-year-old Sam Burgess after the young prop switched to loose forward and delivered a commanding performance, taking over kicking duties from Deacon and bagging a 14-point personal haul.

"He probably really came of age as a player today," said McNamara.

"He's got so much promise and the way he stood up for us - kicking goals, taking kick-offs, making strong carries - was fantastic."

Ganson, in charge at Bradford for the first time since his Millennium Magic gaffe, did little to ingratiate himself to the fans by dishing out a straight red when Vagana raised his elbow into a challenge by Luke George.

The Kiwi prop will go before the disciplinary panel tomorrow night but McNamara said: "All I will say is Joe is probably one of the nicest and fairest players in the competition.

"His disciplinary record is exemplary. He's not even been sin-binned before for foul play and hopefully the disciplinary process will take its course and Joe will avoid a ban."

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