Bramley Buffaloes second row Simon Speight is once again catching the eye this season with a string of consistent performances but he freely admits that the side has yet to reach top gear.
“We’ve not started off that well despite winning our opening four league games,” explained the 25-year-old Bradford-born forward.
“It’s a real joy playing with this bunch of lads because we really are like a family,” added Simon who spent five years at Salford City Reds and has also had a two year spell at Mount Pleasant with Batley Bulldogs.
He first picked up a rugby ball at the age of four with Wibsey Juniors and describes his career highlights as signing his first professional contract with Salford as well as last season’s Grand Final victory over Huddersfield Rangers.
Voted Bramley’s Player of the Year last season, Simon is keen to pay tribute to the Buffaloes supporters: “They are fantastic! They follow us everywhere and it’s great to hear them singing at home games. They help to make this a very special club indeed.”
Turning his attention to this Friday’s home clash with Kippax Knights (kick-off 8pm), Simon is keen to get it in perspective: “We know they’ve been making big noises about beating us but I see it as just another game. We are looking beyond it and are all focused on repeating last year’s triumph.
“It will no doubt be a feisty match but we have nothing to fear as long as we get into our stride.
“I was impressed with Nottingham last week and expect to see Huddersfield Underbank doing well again and I’m sure other challengers will emerge as the season progresses,” added Simon who works as a trainer with the NHS.
Buffaloes coach Mark Butterill was keen to heap praise on Speight: “He’s done us proud over the last season or so and he’s hitting form again. He never fails to give 100% and that’s exactly what we’ll need against Kippax on Friday night.”