The experience of Joe Arundel was sorely missed in Bulls’ opening night defeat to Wakefield in the Betfred Championship, and the centre has mixed feelings about that frantic Friday.

The centre was a nailed-on starter against his former club, only for his wife Hannah to be rushed to hospital in the early hours of the morning, where she gave birth to Posie Bow, who was an unexpected early arrival.

He cannot wait to play his first league game of the season for Bradford tonight at home to Halifax, on a Friday which should be a lot more smooth sailing.

Telling the T&A about a day never to be forgotten a fortnight ago, Arundel laughed: “To be fair, virtually the same thing happened with my son.

“He came on a Thursday but (then-Wakefield head coach) Chris Chester made me play away to St Helens the following night.”

There were no such demands from his current boss Eamon O’Carroll, with Arundel saying: “Posie arrived two weeks early, which was unexpected.

“I’d been looking forward to going back to Wakefield, who are my proper old club, as it would have been a chance to see old mates, as well as play in front of a packed house.

“But Hannah was rushed to hospital at 2am on the Friday, so Eamon got an early morning text from me telling him I couldn’t play, which wasn’t a problem.

“Posie’s been very well-behaved so far but it’s been a bit of a shock to the system, as there’s a seven-year gap between my son and her.

“She’s stolen my heart already though, and I’m excited for her to come along to her first Bulls game when she’s ready in a couple of months.”

Posie will not be there tonight then, for a game that Arundel is relishing against another of his former clubs in Halifax.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Joe Arundel goes over to score for Bulls against Halifax in the pair's dramatic 22-22 draw at Odsal last June. Joe Arundel goes over to score for Bulls against Halifax in the pair's dramatic 22-22 draw at Odsal last June. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

He said: “I wasn’t there that long, but it’s always good to play in these Bulls against Fax games.

“A local derby always adds a bit of extra spice to a fixture and both teams look strong this year, like the Championship as a whole.

“We’ve both have had a bit of early-season trouble with injuries, but it looks set to be a good evening.”

Arundel looks likely to line up at centre tonight, with young Jayden Myers by his side out on the right wing.

At 32, Arundel is 12 years older than Myers, and the Bulls academy product, a natural centre, has previously admitted the veteran is someone he looks up to and leans on.

In response, Arundel said: “I first played in Super League 16 years ago, so I’ve been around a long time now and played with some really good players over the years.

“Everybody has to come through as a youngster and they all have to learn from someone.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jayden Myers (left) and Joe Arundel (second left) have formed a good combination down the right this season when they have played together.Jayden Myers (left) and Joe Arundel (second left) have formed a good combination down the right this season when they have played together. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“I’m pretty vocal as a centre as it is and a big organiser down my side, whether that be the middles, the back row or the man out wide.

“Jayden knows what he’s doing on the wing but I’m happy to use my big voice to make it easier for him, whereas if I’ve got Jorge (Taufua) on my outside for example, he’s very vocal himself anyway.

“Jayden is very much a player for now and the future, and while I hope to still be here for another year or two if my body’s up to it, it’s nice to play a part in creating that pathway for him as a youngster.”