Bradford Bulls star Jordan Baldwinson thrilled to be back

The Bradford powerhouse has just returned from an 11-month injury layoff after he damaged his ACL (knee) back in June last year.

But Baldwinson made his long-awaited return in Bulls’ defeat at Batley, playing only ten minutes that day, but he got over a full half of action in the win over Barrow at Odsal on Sunday.

Discussing his current fitness, the Bulls prop said: “It’s brilliant to be back out there and playing again.

“It’s been a very long learning curve for me and to be out for 11 months takes it toll on you both physically and mentally.

“Eamon (O’Carroll) has been brilliant during this process, having been in constant contact with me throughout.

“I’ve been quite negative and down about this injury layoff and I was wondering if I’d ever play again.

“However, Eamon has helped to keep the belief within side of me and now I’m back, I’m ready to push on and help the team as much as possible.

“I know it’s still early on in my return and that I need to keep on top of this injury as it’s not really an injury that you can just forget about, but I’m happy and confident that I can try and work my way back into the team.”

Jordan Baldwinson roars with delight after his try in the league win at Halifax in April last year (Image: Tom Pearson)

Players such as Michael Lawrence, Dan Smith and Sam Hallas all remain on the treatment table for Bradford, but when they do return, O’Carroll will have a selection headache on his hands.

Baldwinson admitted: “You look at the sideline against Barrow and see the lads that aren’t playing, you realise how much leadership and quality we have within the squad.

“If we had a fully fit team, then it would be a challenge to get into the starting lineup. However, that’s what we want as players – you’re at the wrong team if you want it easy.

“Eamon instils a hard-working mentality into the team and if you’re not working hard, there will be a player who is just as good as you ready to take your place.

“So, it makes for a competitive squad which is definitely a good thing.”

O’Carroll has spoken about his players reverting away from their original game-plan in recent weeks, and although Baldwinson conceded that the team have done that, he highlighted a potential reason for them doing so.

He said: “There have been times where we have been frustrated with ourselves and when we have gone away from the game-plan, which was evidenced in the game against Batley.

“We started really well, but we decided to stray away from it (the game-plan) which meant we ended up being in an unnecessary fight.

“It can be frustrating, but I think we’ve also got to remember that we’ve had players like Tyran Ott and John Davies playing in the halves, so we’ve not had a settled partnership.

“Touch wood, we’ve got Gaskell back now which is a massive boost for the team because we know the quality he possesses.

“Hopefully, Gasky and Jordan (Lilley) can build up a strong partnership going forward. Over the next few weeks, I think it’s going to be really important that we hit the ground running and, that in the next few games, those two can really connect and help to steer the ship around for the team.”