Raynor given Bulls chance

Bradford have signed former Hull and Crusaders winger Gareth Raynor on a one-year deal.

Raynor, 32, is currently serving a jail term for counterfeiting offences related to imported printer cartridges and other breaches, but could join up with the Bulls for pre-season training as early as October, if granted a temporary license.

He spent the first part of the 2010 season in Wrexham with Crusaders and has spent his time in prison in South Yorkshire helping to organise football and rugby games, where he has refereed rather than played.

The former Great Britain international said: “I’m very grateful to Bradford Bulls for the opportunity to get back playing Super League. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and start repaying the Club’s faith in me in the best way I can, by scoring tries.”

Raynor scored 92 tries in 158 appearances for Hull and is scheduled to be released on license on 31 December 2010, although the Bulls are hopeful he will be granted the temporary licence.

Chairman Peter Hood said: “Gareth is an international wing who will add significant extra fire-power to the Bulls outside backs division next season.  The regime that Gareth’s been living during his sentence has enabled him to maintain his core strength and fitness and his appetite for the game remains undiminished.

“We will be working to ensure that Gareth’s rehabilitation is swift and complete and that, as a Bradford Bull, he will soon put himself in contention to reclaim his England jersey.”