Bradford Bulls new boy talks best pal Fulton and fan passion

The pair have known each other for the best part of the decade, and now live together as Bulls players, with Lehmann very much taking on the older brother role.

Giving a one-to-one interview with the T&A at the forum, the winger said: “Zac’s a peculiar creature, you can never really influence him too much because he’s so steadfast in his own opinions.

“But I definitely think having someone over here who’s he really familiar with, having known each other for eight or nine years, I can help keep him on track.

“Not that he’s not on track at all, when you look at how he’s started here, but now you’re rooming with someone in your team, you’re always thinking of footy and working towards being better at it.

“I’ve not lived with Zac before, but he’s stayed at mine for long periods in the past, so this is definitely something that’s been in the works for a long time.”

Max Lehmann leaps in to celebrate with his best mate Zac Fulton at Dewsbury, as the prolific second row added two more tries to his ever-growing tally for the season. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

While he knows Fulton like the back of his hand, Lehmann had come across several of Bulls’ other Australians back home too.

He said:” I’ve played with or against a lot of the Aussie boys already.

“I’ve faced Mitch (Souter), played with Frankie (Pele) when I was in juniors and (Tyran) Otty and I have been in the same team before too.

“There are plenty of connections I already had here so it’s made the move a lot easier.”

Another aspect of the move the winger has enjoyed is seeing the fanatical support of the Bulls fans, which Souter referenced when signing his new deal with the club this week.

Lehmann said: “The fans get around the team more here, and the supporters are fantastic.

“I’ve only been here for a week or two and I’ve already felt it.

“What Mitch said was true, in Australia there are so many teams and so many players move around that it’s harder to commit or have a big following, unless you’re a top side.

The Bulls fans travel in big numbers with their team wherever they go, whether it be Whitehaven (above), Toulouse this weekend, or down the road in West Yorkshire to the likes of Dewsbury and Featherstone. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“We’re a top team here though and it’s awesome to see the support, it makes you want to stay here.”

The Bulls fans were out in force at Dewsbury last Sunday, where Lehmann scored on debut in a 38-12 Betfred Championship victory that kept the visitors joint-third in the table.

Reflecting on how the game went for him, the winger said: “It was awesome, I really enjoyed it.

“It was nice to get a ride out after a couple of weeks sitting down watching, so it was a good day.”

He added: “I was happy with my debut, but I’ve definitely got more to offer.

“I like to be busy as an outside back, in terms of getting involved, so I definitely felt it in my lungs after not playing for a few weeks.

“There’s definitely more to expect from me going forward for sure.”