Bulls build for the future

Bradford have looked to the future with the signing of eleven young players to join the club’s academy.

Seven of the group come straight from the Bulls scholarship, including highly-rated back-rower John Bateman, a hometown lad who has also had spells with Wigan and Leeds scholarships in his young career.

An England schoolboy, Bateman is joined by international team-mates Liam McAvoy and Connor Spencer. Prop McAvoy has been signed from the Broughton Red Rose amateur club, and was also interesting Leeds and Warrington, while hooker Spencer comes from the Hunslet Warriors.

Prop Jack Cockerham and back-rower George Marchant have both been signed from the Castleford scholarship, while hooker Kyle Carter and second-rower Jack Milburn have joined from Dudley Hill ARLFC.

The Bulls have also signed winger Sam Walton (West Bowling), full-back Jarrod Ward (Oldham St Anne’s), winger Ross Knowles (Keighley Cougars Cubs) and Sam Wood (Siddal).

Bulls Head of Youth Development Paul Medley said: “This year’s recruitment has been really successful and I am delighted with the quality of players we have signed this year.  Again it is a major statement of intent by the club about what we are aiming to achieve in the future and we seen recently four players make their debuts in the Engage Super League. We are confident this next group of players will continue that process.

“I must thank everyone at all the player’s amateur clubs for their sterling and often unnoticed work at preparing these players for a future in the professional game. “