Bradford Bulls boss says Leeds Rhinos signing “long time coming” as he makes bold claim about what he will bring to Odsal

Tonight Bradford Bulls have pulled off another major coup.

They backed up the shock signing of Leeds Rhinos fullback and 2017 Grand Final winner – in fact the youngest ever player to win a Super League Grand Final – Jack Walker with his Leeds teammate Bodene Thompson who earlier this year was widely expected to return home.

Thompson, like Walker, signs a one-year deal as the Bulls’ squad takes shape for what could be a really exciting 2023 at Odsal.

For coach Mark Dunning, it has been a “long time coming”: “We’re delighted to get Bodene signed up and over the line for 2023, we’ve been on the lookout for an experienced middle for some time and Bodene (Thompson) fits the bill, It’s been a long time coming.

“A lot of hard work has gone in to this deal and I want to pay credit to Brian (Noble) who has persisted on this deal and got it over the line for the club.”

He also made a big claim about what Thompson will bring to their squad as a player who should have an effect on those around him:

“Bodene will bring a vast knowhow, knowledge and ability to our squad from his time in some of the best systems in the world (both NRL and Super League) and we’re looking forward to have him join up with us for next season.

“We have freshened up the squad for next season and have more of a younger group, but within that you need the experience and Bodene brings that with his quality and leadership, you know what you’re going to get with him.

“He’s a quality player and an even better individual, he will set standards with his leadership qualities and everyone will notice how he conducts himself in and around the squad.

“Bodene is a leader in actions as well as voice, so that will be beneficial to our squad and the people around him and he’ll have a real positive effect on his peers”.