Bradford CEO provides update on £40,000 star chased by SEVEN Super League clubs

Over the years there has been plenty of talent found in the lower divisions and promoted to Super League with current examples being Leeds Rhinos’ James Bentley whilst both Wigan Warriors’ men Kai Pearce-Paul and Abbas Miski arrived from London Broncos.

Bentley however came through with Bradford Bulls, impressing for them in 2016 and ’17 which earned him a move to St Helens before eventually Headingley, with the Ireland international a regular starter for the Rhinos.

It’s evident that there is a plethora of talent in the Championship and that’s been seen this season with some mid-season recruits including Jordan Johnstone for Castleford from Widnes, whilst Luke Gale infamously moved from Keighley Cougars to Wakefield Trinity.

One man who could be next on the radar for a big Super League move is a current Bulls player and that man is Myles Lawford.

The teenage playmaker is reportedly a man in high demand with Bulls CEO Jason Hirst confirming to the Telegraph and Argus that no deal has been done for the teenage talent.

That said, it was outlined that should Lawford move then the Bulls will be in for a payday, expected to be around £40,000, but currently Bradford are working to extend him.

Hirst told the paper: “It’s not true that Myles has gone, and we’re in negotiations with him right now about extending his stay.

“Others are interested in him though, including those clubs from Super League.”

Hirst then went on to reference some of the young talent that is set to leave Super League as he bluntly made the point that it’s wrong to end players’ dream moves.

“We will always try and retain our best players but the reality is not as simple as that. Look at Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce leaving Super League clubs for example.

“If we have a player who’s got an offer from Super League, we wouldn’t stand in their way.” Hirst concluded: “If that happens, I have to make sure we get the right compensation and transfer fee, to then invest that back into the academy and first team.”

The Bulls have a thriving academy and any sale of Lawford, or other young stars, would help them produce yet more talent.

Earlier this season it was announced that young George Flanagan Jr had signed with Huddersfield Giants, before being loaned back to the Bulls for the 2023 season.

If Lawford is to move, the fee of £40,000 would go a long way to help the Bulls with plans revealed yesterday that they could even consider reducing the capacity of Odsal, instead focusing on appeasing IMG criteria with the likes of LED lights and a big screen.