Howarth eyes long-term Bradford future
Bradford hooker Stuart Howarth has been on loan from Wakefield for over a month and insists he would still like to be a Bulls player come the end of the season.
Howarth is off contract with Trinity at the end of 2016.
The forward, who has spent time at Wigan, Salford, Hull FC, St Helens and Wakefield in his career, has made five appearances for Bradford since joining the club.
“I am really happy at Bradford. All my team mates have been brilliant,” Howarth told Love Rugby League.
“It is a club where I could very much see myself at in the future. “
The 26-year old was thrilled to see the Bulls run out 46-18 winners against Whitehaven at the weekend.
“It was great to go up there and get the win after a tough couple of weeks,” he said.
“The lads just knuckled down and made sure we gave it everything. We will now look to build on that each week.”
Bradford’s performance in the first half is one which Howarth was especially pleased with.
“Our attitude during the first half was brilliant, we seemed to blow them away early doors,” he said.
“I think the solidarity we showed was massive because it’s a tough place to go.
“To start off the Championship Shield campaign on a winning note was a massive confidence booster.
“We really wanted to put in a performance for the fans. A special mention has to go to those who made the trip to Cumbria.”
They might have hit the ground running in the Championship Shield, but Howarth admitted it was upsetting for the Bulls not to reach the middle 8s.
“I was disappointed. Bradford are a massive club. They are a side who should up there in the top four but that is gone now and we need to focus on the task in hand.”
Problems have seemed to swamp the Bulls off the field since the defeat to Featherstone, with players and staff being paid late, and the departure of managing director Steve Ferres.
But Howarth said he is fully focused on playing rugby league.
“We are all professionals at the end of the day and we have a duty of care,” he said.
“We are just turning up and doing our job as normal and making sure we are focused for the next match.”