He previously did Rugby Union reports for the likes of the Times, Sunday Times, Independent etc, with the occasional RL for the same market, so hes added RL and the T & A to his CV. I thought he looked a bit disinterested on a TnA video the other week, simply trotting out the Club line, but thats all part of the relationship, he trots out the club PR in exchange for info he can put on twitter as himself or on this site as Roger Daily.

Maybe my sarcasmagraph is faltering slightly here but that's more than a little bit harsh on Ross.



The lad's a good journo with a strong pedigree but will inevitably take time to get his feet properly under the table. Patience my dear Watson.

In mentioning his disinterest (not even the quality of his reporting) in just one report I feel I have been much less harsh than Stul, and yes as he builds up his experience of the Bulls he will be able to be more insightful. so not guilty mylud. Where I am guilty is in being totally cynical about the relationship between the club and the media including Ross, and I gladly acknowledge that! and perhaps because of that relationship he is just reflecting the rather unexciting Mick Potter in the message, whatever you may say about Ian motormouth hes certainly lively and even become gracious in defeat!

Indeed, at least you were making an observation, while Stul was downright rude.



I don't feel Ross was disinterested in that video, it's just the way he came across as he was likely uncomfortable doing his first piece to camera.



You are well within your rights to question the relationship between the club and the media because it serves nobody to have a fanbase which is completely deferential to the club. A healthy dose of cynicism helps in keeping everyone on their toes. However, I wouldn't say the relationship is quite how you paint it. Yes, the club give preferential treatment to the T&A in return for good coverage in its pages but nobody at the club, particularly Duffy, would insist that coverage is exclusively fawning.

The relationship between club and paper, whilst not [iexactly[/i symbiotic, is pretty much one of a 'win win' for both sides as it's fair to say they both benefit from it. It should never get [itoo[/i chummy, though.



I think Ross suffers from being the 'new boy' following Connor Murphy, who was widely respected by fans, and if I may say a sad loss, when he left for greener (?) pastures. It's unfair to pick on Ross though he should be given time to 'bed-in'.

Any chance anyone could update me/us about Purtell or has this just degenerated in to journo bashing/love in session?

I dont think theres anything new on Purtell, and the journo bashing finished as a score draw, I have adjusted my cynicism level down to healthy from totally.

Torn pec - 6 weeks.

Nasty injury.



Hopefully he can rest up and be back asap

Meh, rather frustrating for us and him i'm sure but these things happen. Glad Lulia is looking likely to be fit now.

aye, I'm sure we were all hoping for them being a pairing in the though.

That is a very harsh statement you have made against a very competent, effective and well respected sports journalist.



You should also note that Ross is having his second spell at Odsal after covering the Bradford Bulls during the feel good halcyon days of the early 2000's and I don't seem to recollect any complaints about his journalistic style then.



As Bulliac correctly says "The relationship between club and paper, whilst not exactly symbiotic, is pretty much one of a 'win win' for both sides as it's fair to say they both benefit from it. It should never get too chummy."



The above is true but on the flip side of this have you ever thought that at times during the pre-season/season the club may not have or be sending any information Ross's way.



If there is simply no news to report from the club, what do you expect Ross to do? Do a Dave Craven and start making stuff up which ends up being detrimental to the club?



I know that Connor Murphy set the bar high during his two years at the T&A but it was only after the first six months that everyone started singing what a breath of fresh air he was.



It's only right that Ross is given that same time to settle in and do what he does best.