Bulls second-rower lands new deal

Young second rower Elliott Whitehead has signed a new two-year deal at Bradford.

Whitehead, 19, made his Super League debut against Wakefield in June and has played in seven of the Bulls last ten days. His new deal keeps him at the club until the end of 2011.

The young second rower has made a sizeable impression this term after a Super League debut against Wakefield Wildcats in June and has played in seven of the last ten games, including two starts.
 
Steve McNamara was keen to reward the player with a new deal even though he was still contracted until the end of next season.

He said: “Elliott really deserves this. He’s a smart footballer, both offensively and defensively, who knows how we want to play the game and he’s already offered plenty this season but he has a whole lot more to give too.  I think with another pre-season under his belt, particularly for his physical development, he’ll really push on.

“Elliott doesn’t mess about; he’s not a kid who gets fazed by much; He gets on with what he has to do and we’re really pleased with him.

“He has some fantastic skills, a great off-load and I’m sure he’ll be a real force to reckon with as his career progresses.”

Whitehead also featured for England Academy in last year’s tour to Australia.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have signed a new contract.  Playing for the Bulls is all I’ve wanted to do since I was young and as soon as they offered me the deal I didn’t have to think about it.

“I feel like I’ve gone well this year, the club’s been good to me and I reckon I’ve progressed as a player as well as an individual. Hopefully I’ve shown what I’m capable of and I hope I can get some more chances before the end of the season and then build on it next year too.”