His performances over the last few games have got me wondering about him and his future at Bradford.

Yes, we've been having a few shuffle rounds in the back line due to injuries, suspensions and Mr Potter's, sometimes, questionable selections and Ah Van is one who has played wing, centre and full back in recent weeks because of it.

I think most people would agree his best position is on the wing as his defence isn't the best at centre. But is just the change in position really all there is to explain his drop in form?

Is he carrying a injury? Many people have noted that he's had his legs strapped up for a number of weeks now. Though that being said I don't remember seeing any strapping last night at Headingley. And certainly a leg injury would affect his goal kicking. But if that's the case, why not have Herbert assume the kicking duties to relieve some of the pressure on Ah Van?

Or is it perhaps that he will not be at Bradford next year? It's that time of the year where most clubs know who they've got, who they want and who's not staying. So are Ah Van's days with the Bulls numbered? I do recall that Terry Newton in his last year with Bradford had a terrible drop in form around this time of year and I was reliably told that this corresponded directly with him being told that he was not getting a new contract at Odsal. Now, that may seem unprofessional, and to a degree you'd be right, however who on here doesn't do something similar when they're changing jobs. The "I'm not going to be here next year, so it doesn't matter if I don't give 100%" attitude is one most of us would likely have in the same situation.

Done a decent job for us this year but I think we need to aim higher in the long term. Would accept another 1yr deal if there wasn't better available but I'm pretty sure there will be!

would go along with that. whether he stays depends on if we need the quota spot. wouldnt be devastated if he went but quite like him and would like to see what he could do outside a decent . If we cant get better then it makes no sense bringing in someone else of same standard and havin to go through gelling process again. Same thinking for herbert too.

I think a lot's been made of Paddy's defence, though to me it seems his problems are more with the Burrows type who scurry about rather than with the bigger blokes. I guess a small bloke diving downwards is always going to cause problems for a biggish defender, though then again he's never really looked at home at centre.

With the Terry Newton analogy, I can understand a player being pigged off when told he won't be getting another contract, but taking his bat home and being disinterested isn't the best way to attract another club either, so it would seem a pointless attitude for anyone to adopt.

I like Patrick, but when defending he has me biting my nails at times.

He makes so many metres forward for us. His defence isn't the best but thats because he was played at centre. Big Les would have struggled at centre. worth a 1 year deal

Worth a 1 year deal unless there is better available for the right price

I wouldn't keep him. I'd imagine there's players just as good as him available in the NRL.

So why replace him if your only doing it with someone as good shouldn't they be better.

Depends on the price of the players.

Yes. Didn't make obvious enough I was implying that.

I would like him here for another year. he hasnt set the world a light and defence has been shacky at times but goal kicking is the best we've had since decs. knows the way to the line and the effort has been there its just been ball control in recent weeks although dont remember many mistakes last night from him.

saying that... didnt he leave his family over in NZ?? maybe he might want to go back himself??

Well worth another year

I would give him another year. If only for the beard.

I guess it's worth saying again that big Les wasn't outstanding in his early days at Odsal, and though not every player is going to achieve what Les did, I'd offer Patrick a new deal on the back of what he's done so far.

Are we offering it to Paddy the blockbusting, goal kicking winger or to Paddy the hapless, butter-fingered centre?
I'll sign the first one for sure.

I suppose that's down to the coach, along with who else might be available, what injuries we get etc etc. I know which I'd prefer though.......

It's worth saying. However, even when Les was looking dodgy in his first season, it's also worth remembering that he had serious pedigree for New Zealand and in the NRL (which Ah Van does not have) and still regularly demonstrated blistering pace (which Ah Van has never done).

I can't say I believe he has earned it at wing or in the centre. It should depend on whether we can find / afford anyone better.

Pat's been offered a 2 year contract to stay with the bulls. From what i can gather i know that Pat is enjoying the experience of playing Super League esp for the Bradford Bulls.
Afew of Pat's former club players from Te Atatu Roosters have beome great players for Bradford, Paul Brothers and Hape.... We also have big Joe Vagana at our Roosters club supporting the jnr grades.
I hope Pat stays with the Bulls, he as the potential to be the next ex Tat Rooster to make it big with Bradford. Good luck for the rest of the season, oh yeah and by the way GREAT GAME IN BEATING LEEDS LAST WEEKEND!!!!!!!!

I think he's worth a new contract. I'd like to see what he could do playing outside Lulia, because from the little I've seen of him he does create chances for his winger quite often.

Having said that, if the Karl Pryce rumour is true I don't see how there would be a place for them both in the team, they are quite similar, with Pryce having the obvious advantage of being home-grown.

There 2 wing spots. No rule that we have to have wingers with different styles for each side. That said see Karl more as a backup option originally competition for places rather than starting winger. Think ah van and ainscough for starting spots with pryce, crookes, and finnigan as backup.

Yes, I agree with Mat

You need plenty of players to cover for injuries and suspensions which - let's be honest - we seem to get more than our fair share

I suspect if we do end up adding Karl Pryce, it will be at the expense of Raynor. He's younger than Raynor, will be in osimilar money I guess, and is home grown