Bradford Bulls boss reveals Michael Lawrence move was long time coming & labels it as a sign of intent

Mark Dunning has labelled the signing of Huddersfield Giants forward Michael Lawrence as a “major coup.”

Lawrence spent 15 years at the Giants and leaves after over 300 appearances for the club.

It is a signing that adds more Super League experience to an evolving Bradford squad which is becoming very strong.

Speaking after pulling of the signing, Bradford Bulls boss Mark Dunning revealed that the deal has been progressing for a long time.

“I am absolutely delighted, this is a deal that has been going on for a while and we are over the moon to get it over the line,” said Dunning.

“He is very much a ‘know how’ player, he is a player that is no holes barred, he rips into everything he does, he is a quality individual who we are really looking forward to joining the group and adding to what we have already got.

“We have brought in some experience with the likes of Bodene Thompson and Michael is right up alongside Bodene in terms of quality. He is a side before self person which is exactly what we’re looking for, the one percenters Michael does are invaluable to any team.

“We are building a mixture of youth and experience across the board to guide us through sticky situations when our backs are against the wall, Michael ticks that box with his youthful energy and extensive experience and its a massive coup for this club to get a player of his calibre at a great time in his career.

“The positive effect it will have on the younger blokes in particular will be invaluable, it will bring them on leaps and bounds and it is a really exciting deal for the club.

“Michael would not come here if he didn’t believe in what we are trying to do, all the players we have brought in have full belief in what we are trying to do to get this club back to where it needs to be, but by earning our way there.”