Bradford Bulls lose star player to rivals despite “competitive offer” as veteran signs new deal

It’s been a few weeks of change at Odsal in recent weeks with the club making some significant signings like Brad England whilst also letting go of pillars of the club such as skipper Steve Crossley.

The change at the West Yorkshire club has tonight been epitomised by two pieces of news one being a retention and another being a departure.

Let’s start with the retention: 35-year-old halfback George Flanagan has signed a new deal to remain at the club next season having been named Fans’ Player of the Year .

He has signed a new deal looking to remain a key leader in a developing side, one very close to his heart as a product of the Bulls academy and having made a return to the club five years ago.

Of course the prospect of playing still alongside his son George Flanagan Jr was likely key to signing a new deal who himself turned down four Super League clubs to stick by his dad.

Flanagan Sr has signed a one-year extension at the club.

One many who hasn’t signed an extension to stay at the club is Tom Doyle who rejected what the Bulls have described as “a competitive offer” to pursue an offer elsewhere which the club, although disappointed, respected.

He won’t have to move house however joining newly promoted Keighley for 2023 in a statement of intent from the Cougars following their promotion via finishing top of the third tier.

He joins the Bulls’ local rivals on a two-year deal.