Bradford agree to release L’Estrange

Bradford have agreed to release hooker Heath L’Estrange on compassionate grounds.

L’Estrange, 28, has expressed a desire to raise his new-born daughter in Australia, and the Bulls have released him from the last year of his contract.

He said: “I would like to thank Bradford Bulls for allowing me to be released from my contract.

“I have had an absolutely amazing time with the Bulls and I have played alongside some fantastic players.

“But I am part of a very close-knit family and we wish to bring up our daughter in Australia, around those closest to us.

“The Bulls fans have been absolutely superb since we arrived in the UK, back in 2009, and I hope they wish me and my family well.

“This is a new chapter in my life, which the Bulls have already played a major part in, for both me and my family.”

L’Estrange has spent the past four seasons with the Bulls, and was named captain ahead of the 2012 season.

He joined from Manly Sea Eagles at the end of 2009, and went on to make 99 appearances for the Bulls.

Coach Francis Cummins said: “I am disappointed that he won’t be returning to the UK, but Heath has had to make a decision on the future of the most important team in his life and that is Team L’Estrange.

“I am a family man, I have children of my own, and they have to come before sporting careers. Heath has to do the best by his wife and new baby.

“We certainly did not want to lose him, he is a hugely influential figure in our team, but I fully understand his decision to stay in Australia.”

L’Estrange is expected to make a return to the NRL, where he has also previously played for Sydney Roosters.