Bradford academy trio go full time

Bradford have continued their team building for 2013 by signing three of their academy players on to full-time deals.

Back-rower Oliver Roberts and full-back Curtis Naughton, bot 17, have both been handed three-year deals, while centre Sam Wood, 18, has bagged a two-year contract.

Bulls coach Francis Cummins said: “It’s fair reward for the progress they have made since joining us last year and they are now going to find out what being a full-time professional is all about.

“We want to continue bringing our own youngsters through the system at Bradford and Sam, Curtis and Oliver have shown the talent and desire to be given a chance.

“It’s going to be tough but it’s also an outstanding opportunity for them to try and become Super League players, in the same way the likes of Elliott Whitehead, Tom Olbison and John Bateman did before them.”

The trio will train with the first team squad in a full time capacity when the Bulls return to pre-season training in November.