Engage Super League: Fri 19th Mar The KC Stadium
Last updated: 17th July 2008
Menzies: Bradford-bound
Bradford have won the race to sign veteran forward Steve Menzies from Manly on a one-year deal.
Menzies has long been linked with a move to the Super League, however he has now settled on ending his career at the Bulls.
And although sad to leave Manly after 13 years with the side, Menzies is relishing the chance to play in England.
"It's a sad time, having played my whole career here, but it's a new challenge for me and definitely one I'm looking forward to," said Menzies, who won 15 caps for the Kangaroos.
"I'm happy with the way everything's gone (during) my time at Manly I wouldn't give that away for anything.
"I don't think it's really dawned on me, it didn't really hit me 'til I saw the media attention. It got to me a little bit.
"I will always love Manly and I will never play against them.
"I have thought about this decision for a long time. My decision to finish my career in England is one I made after consulting family, friends and some ex-team-mates playing in England.
"Hopefully one day I can return in some capacity and work under Des Hasler, who is heading towards being a great coach in the game."
Menzies, who also had three seasons at the shortlived Northern Eagles franchise, has scored 171 times in 338 first-grade games.
He will turn out for Manly in the NRL season before teaming up with Bradford for the 2009 campaign.

Harlequins 18-32 Huddersfield - Orr
Harlequins 18-32 Huddersfield - Gilmour
Harlequins 18-32 Huddersfield - Hodgson
Super League Extra - 19th March
Crusaders 14-6 Catalans - Withers and Thomas
Super League's Supermen - Sculthorpe
Widnes 28-30 Halifax - Branighan
Widnes 28-30 Halifax - Calland
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Bradford Bulls | |
| Friday 26th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 20:00 | Bradford vs Harlequins RL |
| Thursday 1st April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Leeds vs Bradford |
| Monday 5th April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Crusaders |
| Saturday 10th April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 00:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Bradford |
| Sunday 25th April | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Hull K R |
| Friday 14th May | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 20:00 | Wakefield vs Bradford |
| Sunday 23rd May | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Leeds |
| Sunday 6th June | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Huddersfield |
| Saturday 12th June | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 18:00 | Crusaders vs Bradford |
| Sunday 20th June | |
| Engage Super League | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Warrington |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Bradford Bulls | |
| Friday 19th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Hull 18 - 6 Bradford | |
| Saturday 13th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Warrington 33 - 8 Bradford | |
| Friday 5th March | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Bradford 22 - 20 Wigan | |
| Friday 26th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Salford 0 - 7 Bradford | |
| Friday 19th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Bradford 41 - 22 Castleford | |
| Sunday 14th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Bradford 6 - 38 St Helens | |
| Friday 5th February | |
| Engage Super League | |
| Huddersfield 24 - 12 Bradford | |
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Hull K R | 7 | 8 |
| 8 | Leeds Rhinos | 7 | 6 |
| 9 | Bradford Bulls | 7 | 6 |
| 10 | Crusaders | 7 | 6 |
| 11 | Castleford Tigers | 6 | 4 |
Angela Powers meets Gareth Thomas as he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career.
Luke Dorn is thrilled to see two fellow Aussies lighting up Super League after tough times in England.
Gareth Ellis told Boots 'n' All that he expects more British talent to leave Super League for the NRL.
Hull have held on to their 100 per cent home record after grinding out an 18-6 Super League win against Bradford at the KC Stadium.
Hull coach Richard Agar singled out Craig Fitzgibbon for special praise after he starred in the 18-6 win over Bradford.
Hull and Bradford will both be looking to get back to winning ways when they meet at the KC Stadium on Friday night.
Ryan Atkins and Matt King scored two tries apiece as Warrington scored 27 points without reply to win 33-8 against Bradford.
Watch and download all of the latest tries and highlights from round five of Super League XV.
Comments (10)
Matthew Cowling says...
Again we see another Aussie cashing in on playing in Super League when he is over the hill. One year contract is a one year holiday for him. Bradford need to give the youngsters a chance instead of signing average players like they do each and every year. Invest money in your youth not a has been Aussie
Posted 10:16 21st July 2008
Garry Richards says...
Fellas, it appears from a Pom living in Oz for the past 22 years and having supported Manly since i came here in my early 20's, i have seen a lot of League, Menzies is in the top 3 forwards in the NRL year in year out. For all you knockers the only reason and this is the whole point if Manly were able to get him under the very tight salary caps over here he would still BE at Manly. If you were a player and you were offered stupid Money to be play in a B Grade comp compared to the NRL, you telling me you would not take the dosh! I still think as some of you think that Manezies would be a great Laeader on & off the filed, which more then likely is the reason your Coach/Board signed him. Grow up and be realistic that a player of such calibre will be gracing your comp for 1 year, and remember give him a chasnce to show what he can do before you all get on your high horses and slag him off!
Posted 11:20 20th July 2008
Tex Walker says...
'BEAVER' Menzies is a modern day ledgend - his record will say no more. 2nd most NRL games,2nd most tries & technically still one of the best defenders in the NRL. Wanted 1 more season with the MITEY SEA EAGLES but due 2 salary cap restraints was not able 2 get a decent offer from th Eagles. His value will soon be shown 2 the Bulls & thier fans,Beaver will be a favourite. I will now also support the Bulls.Long live BEAVER MENZIES!
Posted 10:54 18th July 2008
Bradley Brannan says...
bulls should do better with menzies he is a legend for me and we should get further than 5th place in the superleague table next season come on bull
Posted 21:02 17th July 2008
Gianni Ti'haistacks says...
Fair play to the Bulls. This guy is an absolute legend and willa filla nica gap for a year til a youngster can take over. What a role model for the younger players. Shut up all a ya flat capper cynics and whiners.
Posted 18:12 17th July 2008
Paul Bate says...
Dave, i totally respect what you are saying about menzies professionalism and commitment, but does he now not start most of his matches from the bench for Manly? I think Bradford could of brought in a couple of players in more needed positions for the same kinda money. If i were a Bradford fan i would of liked the money spending in the half back positions, which is were i think you are really struggling. Just my honest opinion mate, which is what our great game is about.
Posted 18:06 17th July 2008
James Magee says...
Not for a moment do I believe that there was a race to sign menzies, not unless it was a one horse race!! In the past a very good player, but saw him play live for Manly a couple of years ago and he was past his best then! What are Bradford thinking??!!
Posted 14:43 17th July 2008
Dave Patrick says...
Paul you obviously do not watch much NRL, Steve Menzies is the total professional. Yes he is old and I certainly agree about hindering young talents. But the impact that Menzies is capable of having on the young talent at the Bulls is imeasurable. he is one of, if not the most respected player in the NRL. There is not one part of Steve Menzies that does not give his all week in week out. The Bulls are certainly in transition at the moment with some fantastic academy players re-signing for the future. If Steve was signed on a 3 year contract i would be cynical but for one year he will have the required impact both on and off the field. I for one would consider myself fortunate as a Bulls fan to see 'The Beaver' at Odsal. Alongside Glen Morrison the two are the perfect icons for young players.
Posted 14:20 17th July 2008
Castleford Jon says...
this trend of signing past it aussies coming over for one last big pay cheque needs to stop. There is enough talent in this country, and for the development of our game, its time give the young, upcoming talent a chance.
Posted 13:36 17th July 2008
Paul Bate says...
Another past it Aussie here for a big pay day, i think a one year contract says it all. To me it means a young upcoming Bradford forward will have his development put back a year to accomadate a past it aussie.
Posted 12:22 17th July 2008