Thomas Doyle: Bradford hooker makes switch to Championship rivals

Drew Darbyshire
Thomas Doyle Bradford Bulls SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Newly-promoted Championship side Keighley have signed highly-rated hooker Thomas Doyle from Bradford on a two-year deal from 2023.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at hometown club Bradford. He has played 57 games for the Bulls since making his first team debut in 2019.

Keighley say they have beaten a number of other clubs to Doyle’s signature for next season.

Doyle said: “I chose Keighley because I know how successful the club was this past season to get promoted and doing it unbeaten.

“Through talking with both Andrew Henderson and Rhys Lovegrove, they explained what the club wants to achieve moving forward; and, in my opinion, there is a good thing going at Cougar Park.

“What I would love to achieve personally is a play-off spot with the Cougars.

“This a chance to show people what we can do at the higher levels of the Championship. I believe we have the squad in place to do that.”

Andrew Henderson delighted to welcome Thomas Doyle to Cougar Park

Cougars head of rugby Andrew Henderson said: “Thomas is an exciting and talented hooker who will thrive and develop further in our environment. 

“His best years are ahead of him, and I believe he has the potential to become a Super League player in the future.

“I tried to secure his services earlier this year but had to be patient as he was attracting interest from Super League and full-time clubs at the time.

“However, he was always open and honest in wanting to explore those options and in the long run after weighing everything up he felt Keighley was the right fit for him at this stage of his career.”

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