NAME:
Benedict B. Bradley
TEAM:
Technicali
JERSEY #:
1
POSITION:
Goalkeeper
Q&A:
Toni Vern seems like quite the stressful coach to have! How do you manage?
I mean—he’s only at his worse during games, honestly. Outside of them, he’s usually in his lab all day, so we really don’t hear much from him unless we make him mad.
I'm surprised you're able to keep all that hair tucked inside the hood of your uniform! Does it ever cause you problems during games?
Sometimes, but usually before matches I'll put it in a bun, shove it in a net, then put my hood over, and maybe I'll get a few strands that get in my face, but I can shove them back in. If we're really in a rush, I make a ponytail and put my hood on. It gets super itchy, but I'd rather put up with that than cut it off.
Your goalie attire is quite unconventional compared to the other uniforms we see in the Super League, is it uncomfortable to play in? Does it limit your ability?
Uhm—uh, well, no comment on the first part, but sometimes it feels like I can't stretch my arms out as far as I want to, and I… Have ripped my uniform a few times before. Mostly around the uh, upper region.
Before joining Technicali, did you use to play for a local team or watch a lot of Super League games?
Oh, yeah! I used to listen to matches on the radio at my old job since I was always busy, so I didn't really have time to go out and see the games in person, y'know?
What was your old job?
Haha, ah, uhm. Okay, look man, I used to do IT Support. It was a nightmare. I was stuck in an office for hours, I got yelled at by hundreds of different people a day, I could barely take care of myself, and each day bled into the next. I felt like I was going crazy. Toni might yell at us, he might get angry, but at least all that stress is coming from one person instead of hundreds.
How'd you go from IT Support to Technicali’s goalie?
Toni was hosting try-outs super close to my job. I wasn't the best at catching stuff, but I felt I was pretty good and wanted to try. I showed up right after my shift, still in my work clothes, looked like a wreck, and Toni--he scoffed, told me to go home, then he went to pat my shoulder but then like--grabbed it and went "Woah. You're stronger than I expected." He let me try out, and then, well, here I am.
So Toni Vern gives you some problems, what about your team? Do you like having them around?
What? Yeah! Of course I do, they're awesome. It's great talking with 'em, Chuck does a great job with training everyone even when Toni's not with us, John's a real nice guy, love hanging out with Thaddeus ’n Kyle after games, and Rocky’s real fun.
How do you prepare for a game?
I like to work out with Thaddeus and whoever else joins us in the morning. Used to think those 80’s songs he’d blast were embarrassing to exercise to, but now I can’t do it without them.
And what do you do after a game?
Lay in bed. It’s real nice. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll hang out with the guys if they invite me, but man, is it nice to just lay in bed and do nothing.