Bradford sign prop Masi Matongo on loan from Hull

Drew Darbyshire

Bradford have signed prop Masi Matongo on loan from Hull for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old has made 59 appearances for Hull since making his first team debut back in 2015.

Matongo is in contention to make his Bulls debut in this weekend’s trip to York.

Bradford coach John Kear said: “We had agreed a deal prior to deadline but because of Covid issues at Hull he wasn’t able to join until this week.

“He’s had a long injury similar to Matty Dawson-Jones but he is clawing his way back to full match fitness and with a player of that quality, of that ilk, if we can get him here and help him recover his match fitness and bring that quality he has with his ball carries then it will do us the world of good.

“It is a deal that suits all parties, we will benefit as he will be here until the end of the season and into the play offs, every game he will get better and he will be part of the squad that travels to York – whether he plays or not we will have to wait and see.”

Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson said: “We’re really pleased to have Masi back from his long-term injury – he’s worked tirelessly over the course of the year to get himself back fit and in a position to be playing again.

“His game time has been limited over the last year or so due to some cruel luck with injuries, so this is a good opportunity for him to play and get some much-needed minutes under his belt as he works his way back to full fitness.”

Meanwhile, Bradford have loaned winger or centre Reece Hamlett to Swinton for the remainder of the Championship season. Hamlett spent time with the Lions on loan in May.

Danny Brough returns to the Bradford squad for this weekend’s clash with York after sitting out the last eight games with a bicep tear that he picked up against Newcastle at the start of June.