Australian prop to join Bulls

Bradford have signed Australian forward Karl Davies on a two-year deal.

Davies, 22, has spent this season playing for Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup, and is known Down Under as “The Lumberjack”.

He said: “I believe I can bring a lot to Bradford and am very excited about coming over to ply my trade with the Bulls.

“I am an explosive and aggressive type of player, with a strong work ethic.

“Next season will act as a fresh start for the club and I am looking forward to getting my teeth into the Championship before, hopefully, playing in Super League the year after.

“The squad being put together looks very strong, there are some fantastic names on board and we are going to take some stopping.”

Davies, who stands at 6ft 3ins and weighs 17-stone, is due to arrive in the UK early next month ahead of pre-season training.

Coach James Lowes said: “I am very pleased to have secured Karl for the next two years.

“He is an explosive prop and he is someone I know will excite our supporters.

“You need good, solid front-rowers in any leading side and Australia seems to deliver them. They know the job and do it well.

“He is a young and very talented individual and I like what I have seen of him.

“He is eager to get across and get started and I believe he has the potential to be a good player for us.”