FLANAGAN DELIGHT AT TRY-SCORING RETURN

GEORGE Flanagan has spoken of his delight following his try-scoring return to action – having made his 200th career appearance in the victory over Underbank Rangers.

The 33-year-old was named on the interchange bench and made an instant impact, scoring with just his second touch to extend Bradford’s advantage. 

Hooker Flanagan also laid on a try for Levy Nzoungou, with the Bradford born star making his first appearance since the trip to Barrow last August.

Having booked a trip to Wakefield Trinity in the fifth-round of the Coral Challenge Cup, Flanagan insists their immediate focus is on righting wrongs from Sunday’s clash in the trip to Oldham this weekend.

“I have been chomping at the bit to get back out there and I am delighted to have got the win and get into the next round,” said Flanagan, who is sponsored by Blade Access.

“Our skill was not on point and Underbank were outstanding but we have a few things to fix up ahead of this weekend – we need to be more disciplined with ball in hand.

“Everything went to plan in training, all we can do is fix things up going forward and concentrate back on the league.

“I saw things open up for Sam and then backed him up – when I saw the line waiting for me I was absolutely delighted I could not have asked for better.

“I always talk to the bench and say we need to go on and lift the game to our standards and I thought the whole bench did that on Sunday.

“Oldham are another team who are nitty gritty and will not give up because that’s what rugby players do so we need to put in a decent performance and bring the correct attitude to get a result.”

Prior to kick off, Flanagan was presented with his match shirt by his son, daughter and wife to mark his latest milestone.

He paid tribute to their support – whilst also thanking John Kear, Mark Dunning and the club. 

“I just want to say a massive thanks to John Kear, Mark Dunning and the club who put the day on for me,” said Flanagan.

“John did a speech about me and next thing I knew my son and daughter brought my shirt in it was a mindblowing experience.

“Everyone got a massive lump in their throat as they have been a massive backbone for me – but it is all good times and long may it continue.”