Bradford Bulls sign veteran forward from Leeds Rhinos

Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of veteran forward Bodene Thompson from Leeds Rhinos.

The 34-year-old signs a one-year deal at Odsal after helping Leeds reach the 2022 Super League Grand Final.

He joins Jack Walker in signing for Bradford from the Rhinos for next season, with the fullback joining last week.

Thompson will provide much-needed experience to the Bulls, having played over 300 games in the NRL and Super League.

Among those appareances are spells at Leigh Centurions, Warrington Wolves and Toronto Wolfpack, with the New Zealander also featuring in the NRL for Gold Coast, Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors.

Speaking on the signing of Thompson, Bradford head coach Mark Dunning said: “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 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.

“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.”