Sheffield lure Bradford centre as Dan Fleming commits to Bulls

Drew Darbyshire
Dan Fleming

Sheffield have signed Bradford centre Ross Oakes, with Wales international Dan Fleming committing his future to the Bulls.

Centre Oakes will join the Eagles on a two-year deal from the 2022 Championship season. He has made almost 100 appearances for Bradford since breaking through to the first team in 2016.

Oakes said: “I am really excited. To see where the club is going in the future, I really want to put a stamp on things and I’m looking forward to the next two years.

“We can’t turn things around overnight but when I met Tubbs (Mark Aston), he told me how things are going to be in the next two to three years, and it sounded exciting. 

“He was telling me about how keen he is to develop players and it’s something I feel like I needed. 

“It’s a fresh start, a new challenge, and I think it’s going to be beneficial for me.

“It seems like the place to be so I can’t wait to be there.”

GOSSIP: Cornwall conundrum & Adrian Lam shock?

Dan Fleming commits to Bradford

Wales powerhouse prop Fleming has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with Bradford.

The 29-year-old returned to the Bulls ahead of last season from Castleford. He made 18 appearances in 2021. He has won nine caps for Wales and will be hoping to play in his second World Cup next year.

Fleming said: “I am delighted to be staying. I loved my first year back here and can now look forward to the next couple of years.

SET OF SIX: with Dan Fleming: Idolising Jamie Peacock, Stuart Fielden & his wish for expansion

“Having the two years gives me the chance to really settle here and I want to kick on for what is hopefully going to be a big year for club and country.

“It is a great group of lads and I am looking forward to working with the new faces coming in with pre-season starting soon. I am excited to get going again.”

READ MORE: 40 years of pins in the professional rugby league map