Official Brett Kearney

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Deacs: Aussies will bring big-game mentality

Deacs: Aussies will bring big-game mentalityBradford Telegraph ArgusThe Bulls have signed Manly duo Glenn Hall and Heath L'Estrange, and have recently added Cronulla Sharks full back Brett Kearney, who can also fulfil ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4685285.Deacs__Aussies_will_bring_big_game_mentality/&usg=AFQjCNGDIORDOL3BLTYvAh1IAg8XFmm-Ow

Deacs: Aussies will bring big-game mentality
7:00am 16th October 2009
By Bill Marshall

Bradford Bulls skipper Paul Deacon believes their Australian imports will have no trouble settling in at Odsal next season.

The Bulls have signed Manly duo Glenn Hall and Heath L’Estrange, and have recently added Cronulla Sharks full back Brett Kearney, who can also fulfil half-back duties.

Deacon, who only returned from an 11-day holiday in Egypt on Wednesday, said: “Glenn and Heath were in the Manly team with Steve Menzies that won the 2008 NRL Grand Final.

“Steve has already been here a year and knows what’s what and I am sure he will have been talking to all three of them.”

Deacon added: “They have to be good players to have played in the NRL, particularly if they have played in a Grand Final with Manly.

“They know what it’s like to play in big games and that can only be good for us.

“I have seen a bit of Glenn when the NRL was shown on Setanta and he will bring a physical presence to our pack at prop. He also has a good engine on him.”

Kearney is expected to slot into the stand-off role vacated by Ben Jeffries, but Deacon isn’t quite sure whether hooker L’Estrange will start or be on the bench.

The skipper said: “With Wayne Godwin being fit again, he may want to start with Heath and bring Wayne off the bench – I don’t know what Steve McN-amara has in mind.

“But I don’t think you ever alter your own style of play to accommodate overseas signings - we have never done that before.”

 

[gosharks]

will be big loss, was great at back up the likes of gallen etc and speed something we need more of

 

[Google News]

UK Net GuideBulls duo obtain visasUK Net GuideKearney, the former Cronulla Sharks full back, has recently married and waited until after the ceremony to apply. Former Manly Sea Eagles hooker L'Estrange ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.uknetguide.co.uk/Latest-News/Bulls-duo-obtain-visas-19443206.html&usg=AFQjCNGIyXcdQN4y0bYOgjAMzSzM50YkKA

Bulls duo obtain visas
05 November 2009, 12:00

Bradford Bulls have announced that Australian duo Heath L'Estrange and Brett Kearney have received their visas and will arrive for pre-season training within the next two weeks.

Kearney, the former Cronulla Sharks full back, has recently married and waited until after the ceremony to apply.

Former Manly Sea Eagles hooker L'Estrange obtained his visa several weeks ago and will go into the Bulls squad as a replacement for the former Great Britain international Terry Newton, who has left Odsal for rivals Wakefield.

Bulls media and football manager Stuart Duffy said: "It's a major boost to us and our supporters to know that Brett and Heath have had their visas approved, although we never had any reason to suspect they would not be and they will be here on schedule for pre-season training."

Another Bulls recruit from Australia, Glenn Hall, who was a member of the Manly 2008 NRL Grand Final team, is still awaiting his visa.

However, Duffy said he expects an approval within the next seven days.

"We have spoken to the High Commission in Canberra regarding Glenn Hall, who reapplied due to changes in his family circumstances and we expect his visa will be approved later this week or early next," he added.

Both L'Estrange and Hall will join former Manly team-mate Steve Menzies, who has become one of the Bulls' leading stars since arriving from the NRL at the end of 2008 and recently signed a new 12-month deal for the 2010 season.

 

[Google News]

BRETT'S FIT AND FLYING FOR BULLSMirror.co.ukKearney, who suffered two skull fractures early in his career, played just one NRL game for Cronulla Sharks in 2009 before a season-ending foot injury. ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2009/11/28/brett-s-fit-and-flying-for-bulls-115875-21856479/&usg=AFQjCNFc1ci4H6PemqYMYbyf3JFWO-8Ysg

BRETT'S FIT AND FLYING FOR BULLS
By Trevor Baxter 28/11/2009

Bradford coach Steve McNamara insists he has no worries over the fitness of Aussie signing Brett Kearney - and is confident blue-chip capture Matt Orford will arrive before Christmas.

Kearney, who suffered two skull fractures early in his career, played just one NRL game for Cronulla Sharks in 2009 before a season-ending foot injury.

But McNamara said the 26-year-old, who will play stand-off for the Bulls, is in top condition.

"Brett's been with us for a week and done every single practice," said McNamara. "He's done gruelling hill sessions, speed sessions, skill sessions, wrestling. There's been nothing he can't do or has had to hold back on."

Orford is waiting for a visa and McNamara added: "I can't see it being too long. He is still training with Manly Sea Eagles and I don't have any issues with his fitness or condition."

There were fears Orford would be an unwitting pawn in a row involving Aussie Chris Walker, whose agent threatened legal action, claiming Bradford reneged on a deal to sign his player after Orford became available.

 

[Google News]

BBC SportKearney excited by Bulls' futureBBC SportThe former Cronulla half-back is expected to link up with scrum-half Matt Orford who is yet to arrive at the Bulls following his signing from Manly ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/bradford/8386214.stm&usg=AFQjCNEu3CYyQ_FBqEdJAjVWomD2DVI5KA

Kearney excited by Bulls' future
Page last updated at 12:35 GMT, 30 November 2009

Kearney scored 20 tries in 49 appearances for Cronulla

Bradford Bulls new signing Brett Kearney is predicting "special" times after joining up with his new team-mates at the Grattan Stadium.

The 26-year-old is one of four new overseas signings for the Bulls.

Kearney told BBC Radio Leeds: "I couldn't be more excited. With the young people coming through here I can really see some special times ahead.

"Everyone is going 100 miles an hour in training and it's lifted me to a new level," he added.

The former Cronulla half-back is expected to link up with scrum-half Matt Orford who is yet to arrive at the Bulls following his signing from Manly Sea-Eagles.

"We're probably going to have the most creative half-back pairing in Super League XV and the excitement here is palpable," said Bulls' football manager Stuart Duffy.

Kearney was outstanding for Cronulla in 2008 but suffered a season ending foot injury in the first game of the 2009 season.

He has since recovered and begun pre-season training with fellow new Australian recruits Glenn Hall and Heath L'Estrange, both from Manly.

Kearney says the influence of Bulls' coach Steve McNamara was key to his decision to move to the other side of the world.

"I spoke to Steve on the phone for 20 minutes and I just felt like I wanted to jump on a plane and get over there straight away," he said.

"I was told there were certain clubs over here that you look to come to more than other and the Bulls are one of those stronger sides."

The Bulls kick off the new season away at the Huddersfield Giants on Friday, 5 February.

 

[Google News]

Aussie had no doubts about moving to Bulls at his peakBradford Telegraph ArgusAn impressive performer for Cronulla in 2008, Kearney played just 26 minutes last season after injuring his foot in the Sharks' round-one victory against ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4773403.Kearney_switch__best_for_career_/&usg=AFQjCNGiHRVkJa5_UKMy28Rgt-nO-_wO6Q

Aussie had no doubts about moving to Bulls at his peak
7:30am 3rd December 2009
By Connor Murphy

Brett Kearney, right, is excited about the prospects of playing with his new team-mates, including fellow Aussies Heath L'Estrange and Glenn Hall

Brett Kearney is ready to give his prime years to the Bulls.

At 26, approaching what should be his career peak, Kearney has made the bold switch from the NRL to Super League.

The move may have come as a shock to some back home but the Aussie stand-off believes Bradford is the ideal place to get his career back on track.

An impressive performer for Cronulla in 2008, Kearney played just 26 minutes last season after injuring his foot in the Sharks’ round-one victory against Penrith Panthers.

Now back to full fitness and in pre-season training with the Bulls, the former Country Origin representative is merely glad to be back in the company of team-mates.

“This is the first time I’ve trained with a team in almost eight months, so it’s been really exciting,” said Kearney.

“Even stuff like sitting in the sheds just talking to blokes is great. It’s always a little bit different when you’re in rehab’ because you’re not doing the same training as other blokes.

“It’s been exciting and I’m looking forward to the lead-up to Christmas and the first trial game on Boxing Day.

“Age didn’t have anything to do with it for me. When making the decision I just thought about what would be best to further my career. I never had any doubts.”

Already excited about joining the Bulls following lengthy conversations with head coach Steve McNamara, Kearney’s anticipation for the coming campaign reached new heights after the signing of Matt Orford.

With the Central Coast pair set to form a new-look half-back partnership, Kearney believes Orford can unlock new aspects to his game.

“Not only is he a fantastic signing for the club, I think he’s absolutely fantastic for my game,” said Kearney, who played most of his career at stand-off before switching to full back with Cronulla in 2007.

“Without knowing the game-plan and what Steve wants me to do, being such a dominant half-back I think Matt will allow me a bit more space to rove around and come into the game where Steve and myself see fit.

“It might take a bit of pressure off him too, having someone who’s played in the halves a bit more than what he’s had at Manly the last couple of years. That can help him out and maybe give him a bit more space.”

The experience provided by the likes of Orford is blended with emerging young talent in the Bradford squad and Kearney is confident they have got the mix right.

“I’ve been really surprised by the amount of young blokes here who look genuinely like they’re knocking on the door to first grade,” he said.

“It’s exciting to see and I’m sure once we start working with the ball a bit more we’ll see which of the boys are going to go on and really fight for positions this year.

“I really think we’ve got a good mixture of young and old fellers and we can do something good this year.”

 

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Kearney bursting to form dynamic pairing

Kearney bursting to form dynamic pairingYorkshire PostThe fact he will just get to play again is the biggest carrot of all, having missed all but the opening minutes of the last NRL campaign due to a ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/rugby-league/Kearney-bursting-to-form-dynamic.5884351.jp&usg=AFQjCNHZ8wTXMixYsXxYbukrYaCyXN1d9A

Kearney bursting to form dynamic pairing
Published Date: 04 December 2009

FEW, if any, players can be looking forward to the new engage Super League season more than Bradford Bulls' Brett Kearney.

It is not the prospect of forging an exciting half-back partnership with Australian Matt Orford, or starting a fresh life in England following his move from Cronulla Sharks, that has him counting down the days.

The fact he will just get to play again is the biggest carrot of all, having missed all but the opening minutes of the last NRL campaign due to a complicated and hugely frustrating foot injury.

"I'm excited to turn up at training," said Kearney, having reported in at Odsal for the first time last week.

"When I go out there in the changing rooms I'm ready just to run down the stairs and onto the field. I can't wait.

"I can't say much more but I'm twice as excited as that to start playing again."

Kearney's season was ended this year in March when he was grounded against Penrith Panthers just 26 minutes into Cronulla's round-one fixture.

However, Bulls coach Steve McNamara was undeterred, beating off interest from other Super League clubs to land him on a two-year deal.

"It wasn't a bad injury really, just a long injury," explained Kearney.

"Quite a few players have had it but it doesn't re-occur and because it's the foot it's just a real pain – everything you do is on your foot.

"Even when it's your knee you can still get around but when it's the bones moving in the foot it meant I was just off my feet for so long.

"I had pins in and out and, more than anything, it was just a pain but it's fantastic now."

Kearney, 26, switched to full-back with the Sharks three years ago and his attacking ability, gracefully entering the line with the ability to impressively accelerate away from defenders, saw him earn representative honours for the Country Origin side last year.

However, McNamara has earmarked the new arrival to feature at stand-off for Bradford replacing Ben Jeffries, who was allowed to head to Wakefield.

The Bulls have been criticised for a lack of pace and creativity at half-back in recent seasons but with Kearney and former Dally M Medal winner Orford in tandem they could have one of the most dynamic partnerships in the competition.

Manly star Orford, 31, is set to arrive before Christmas and Kearney is thrilled at the prospect of linking with the former Melbourne general.

"We actually both started off at the North Sydney Bears when they were still around but he's about five years older than me so I was always looking up at him," he said.

"I never got to play with Matty (Orford) but with him coming over I think it's going to really suit me.

"I played my whole career at five-eighth (stand-off) before moving to full-back so it's not a foreign position to me.

"With Matty being a very dominant half, who likes to have his hands on the ball, I think that will give me freedom to move around a bit more."

With Orford in charge of organising and marshalling the Bulls, his stellar kicking game also likely to prove key, Kearney should be able to concentrate on making his trademark sniping runs that helped cut up NRL opponents.

"If Steve (McNamara) wants me to float around, I can do that," he added.

"I like to be around the ball and if I think there's half an opportunity I'll be flying to try and turn it into a try."

On the back of their worst year in Super League history, the Bulls need a sizeable injection to freshen up their approach and the capture of Orford, in particular, has supporters believing they can begin a resurrection.

Kearney is the lesser-known talent but someone who could prove just as crucial in McNamara's plans.

There has been a huge turnover of players during the off-season with England Test star Sam Burgess heading the other way to South Sydney, long-serving captain Paul Deacon switching to Wigan and vice-captain Glenn Morrison and former Great Britain hooker Terry Newton joining Jeffries at Wakefield.

But Orford's Manly colleagues Heath L'Estrange and Glenn Hall have bolstered the pack along with the mercurial Danny Sculthorpe and Kearney has been buoyed by his early impressions.

"I went home after the first day's training and felt like I was going home," he said.

"That was something I didn't think I'd feel for weeks. I thought it'd take time to settle in and it'd be a big culture shock but other than the cold weather it hasn't been much different at all.

"The boys are a great bunch, there's some real talent and there's only things to look forward to here."

 

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Enthusiastic Kearney cannot wait for Boxing Day challenge at Castleford

Enthusiastic Kearney cannot wait for Boxing Day challenge at CastlefordBradford Telegraph Argus“For the first couple of weeks after I got here I was running on excitement, just being back in a team environment,” said the signing from Cronulla Sharks. ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/4817078.Jungle_Bells__Kearney_filled_with_Christmas_cheer/&usg=AFQjCNGG-a871gOmx2Omxm8qndKXNlxS-g

Enthusiastic Kearney cannot wait for Boxing Day challenge at Castleford
7:40am 23rd December 2009
By Connor Murphy

Brett Kearney turns into an excited child when he thinks about his first Christmas with Bradford Bulls.

A Boxing Day trip to Castleford is not everyone’s idea of the perfect gift but the Aussie star couldn’t ask for any more.

Throughout a frustrating nine-month injury lay-off, which forced the 26-year-old stand-off to miss all but 26 minutes of last season, his only wish has been to get back out on the pitch.

That wish has been granted much earlier than expected and Kearney will get his first taste of the English game when the Bulls travel to The Jungle for their first trial game on Saturday.

“For the first couple of weeks after I got here I was running on excitement, just being back in a team environment,” said the signing from Cronulla Sharks.

“The first couple of days I felt like I wanted to get back on the field then but I’ve had time to settle in and now I’ll get my chance.

“When you are injured you feel like you’re separated from the team, especially during the season that Cronulla had. I was just desperate to get out there and try and help out.

“Being back with the team, I feel I’m ready to contribute and I can’t wait to get out there.”

Getting stuck into competitive action on Boxing Day will be a strange feeling for Kearney.

At this time of year, weights and fitness would usually be the main concern, with no thought of even taking the field for another two months.

Kearney said: “It’s a bit different because I’m not used to getting prepared for a game at this time of year.

“In Australia, you’re looking at a 12-week off-season but it will be five weeks here from the time I arrived in the country to the first game. You are getting half the time to prepare but, at the same time, I enjoy that because I’m glad to get out and play some footy.

“That’s when you can see what’s actually happening. Until you are on the field under pressure, you don’t know exactly how the team are going to perform.”

The prospect of playing in a winter wonderland is even more foreign to Kearney and the novelty of the recent Arctic weather is beginning to wear off.

He said: “It was exciting at first because I’ve not really even seen snow before but I just want it to go away now!

“I definitely underestimated the cold over here and I didn’t bring enough warm clothes so I’ve had to go out and buy some big coats.”

 

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Bradford Bulls 41 Castleford Tigers 22Castleford feel full force of Bulls ... - Yorkshire Post

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...219.jp&usg=AFQjCNEb1ZfOfsdEI6tNFv9mmvRkmEntjg

Bradford Bulls 41 Castleford Tigers 22 Castleford feel full force of Bulls' backlash
20 February 2010
By Dave Craven


<EDITED>

Star signing Matt Orford directed play masterfully at scrum-half but it was the less-heralded Australian recruit Brett Kearney who impressed most alongside him.

The Cronulla stand-off played just a few minutes rugby all season last year in the NRL due to a serious foot injury but he showed no signs of that last night with his pace and handling skills desperately hurting a poor Castleford side.

Kearney contributed his first two tries for his new club and had a hand in most of their best work.

<EDITED>

However, opportunities went begging and Castleford responded near the end to get Steve Snitch over in the 70th minute and Hudson added another after the Bulls' defence dallied when attempting to deal with a simple kick.

That took some of the gloss off for the hosts but Sykes restored order slipping through off another fine pass from Kearney with two minutes remaining.

Bradford Bulls: Halley; Sheriffe, Sykes, Nero, Reardon; Kearney, Orford; Scruton, L'Estrange, Lynch, Whitehead, Menzies, Langley. Substitutes: Godwin, Hall, Worrincy, Kopczak.

Castleford Tigers: McGoldrick; Owen, Shenton, Evans, Wainwright; Snitch, Chase; Jackson, Hudson, Higgins, Ferres, Jones, Westerman. Substitutes: Sargent, Huby, Netherton, Clayton.

Referee: Thierry Alibert (Toulouse).

 

[Ramzyv1]

This is what i was worried about, he is going to have a blinder! I do wish the best for him as he seems like a really nice guy, but I really wish we had made more of an effort to keep him.

He is very injury-prone but when he is on, he is awesome.

 

[ouCh!]

he was always goin to demolish the english, at least until that brittle little body snaps in another place again, but would have been funny watchin him run rings around mcgoldrick, and good to see he has a shot at 5/8.

 

[hitman124]

Does anyone here regret getting rid of brett kearney?

Imagine, Stapo on one wing, fergo in the centres, and cov on the other wing with bk at fullback.

 

[Megashark]

he was always goin to demolish the english, at least until that brittle little body snaps in another place again, but would have been funny watchin him run rings around mcgoldrick, and good to see he has a shot at 5/8.

It still mystifies me that he never got much of a shot in the halves with us, and we persisted in trying to turn him into a fullback.

 

[Google News]

Richards stars as Wigan cement top spot - NRL.COM

<EDITED>
Wing Rikki Sheriffe scored a hat-trick for Bradford as they piled more misery on Catalans Dragons with a 36-14 win in France.

Bradford dominated the first half with ex-Cronulla halfback Brett Kearney one of three try scorers for the Bulls.

The Dragons fought back well after the interval and former Melbourne centre Steven Bell and Greg Mounis crossing for tries. But Steve Menzies got his name on the scoresheet and Sheriffe completed his treble.
<EDITED>




Source: http://www.nrl.com/news/news/newsarticle/tabid/10874/newsid/58227/richards-stars-as-wigan-cement-top-spot/default.aspx

 

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Langley and Orford fit to face Rhinos - Bradford Telegraph Argus

Source:http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=...hinos/&usg=AFQjCNF9ePxLNn1egtUhOzvik6vnBrLBWg

Langley and Orford fit to face Rhinos
7:50am 18th May 2010
By Connor Murphy

<EDITED>

Brett Kearney’s fitness appears to be the most doubtful. He hobbled off at half-time after twisting his foot and is currently wearing a protective boot as a precautionary measure.

Bradford are erring on the side of caution with their influential full back, especially as he missed all but 27 minutes of last year’s NRL season with Cronulla due to a foot problem.

“Brett’s not been ruled out at this stage,” said McNamara. “But he has got a sore foot, there’s no two ways about that.

“The X-rays have cleared him of any fractures and he’ll probably get a scan just to check there’s nothing else in there.

“It’s very much precautionary but he is very sore at the minute. There’s a long time between now and Sunday.”

<EDITED>

 

[Henchmann]

I’m interested how Brett Kearney is going overseas – is he still injury ravaged or has he hardened up??

 

[Mr Wright]

10 tries in 15 games for Kearney. Is playing 5/8 though and has filled in at fullback for a few games.

 

[Henchmann]

10 tries in 15 games for Kearney. Is playing 5/8 though and has filled in at fullback for a few games.

Thanks, so has he played 15 straight games? Just playing 15 games is massive for him, question is if he was to come back would it be more of the same? Maybe the climate is good for him??

 

[snowman]

he loves bradford as well

 

[Henchmann]

It’s a shame it didn’t work out for him here, I liked him.... but not his constant injuries.