Bradford Bulls have signed up a former Castleford Tigers and Doncaster forward.

27-year-old Brad England arrived at Odsal Stadium prior to the start of the 2021 season and firmly became a fans’ favourite, with a series of robust displays winning him the ASN Doors Hitman of the Year award.

England has been a consistent name on Mark Dunning’s teamsheet in recent weeks and has impressed despite a disrupted year to date.

The former Doncaster back rower and Castleford Tigers academy player has spoken of his determination to repay Mark Dunning’s faith – insisting he feels at ‘home’ in the red, amber and black.

“I am really pleased to be staying, it has been a disappointing up and down year with injuries so I am just glad Mark has shown faith in me to go again and I know I will be working hard to be better next year,” said England, who is sponsored by Mal and Ange Rider.

“I haven’t had a full pre-season since I have been here, I missed all pre-season last year and when you get back in it’s hard. I came straight back in against Dewsbury there isn’t much time to work on fitness which makes it harder so I am just looking forward to getting a full pre-season under the belt.

“Mark [Dunning] is the type of bloke you want to play well for, he will get the best out of his players and get the best out of me with a full pre-season, it gives me confidence that he wanted me to stay.

“It does feel like home here, I love the fans, love the people around the place, I am really enjoying my time here.

“We have underachieved this year, next year with the players we are keeping and looking to bring in we can make more of a statement and push for the play offs and top four finish.”

Head coach Mark Dunning believes a full pre-season for the back rower will result in Bradford fans seeing the best of ‘Beefy’ in 2023.

“I am really happy, Beefy has been here a few years and he’s a part of the group – he had a particularly good year last year where he picked up some awards and has a had a tough year this due to some niggling injuries,” said Dunning, who is sponsored by Crystal Clear Bi-Folds.

“But I am a big believer in the ability of Brad England and the contribution he can make to the group.

“He is getting back to somewhere near the physical shape he needs to be in but unfortunately it is at the wrong time of the season for him.

“Hopefully he goes into pre-season healthy and if he can do that and stay healthy, he will reap the rewards and we will see the best of Brad England.

“Brad is fully committed and I had a real good chat with him, he knows my expectations and I know his so I am really looking forward to working with a healthy Brad England.

“The key to the recruitment is we get the right people for the right cause and if we can do that it will be a better year in 2023.”