Mark Dunning reveals Bradford Bulls beat rival clubs to star signing

Bradford Bulls have made a lot of exciting signings for the new season as they go in search of promotion to Super League after a 10 season absence from the top tier.

They have signed Leeds Rhinos duo Bodene Thompson and Jack Walker whilst Huddersfield Giants veteran Michael Lawrence has also joined the Bulls.

An understated recruit is of course Papua New Guinea star Keven Appo but he has still not arrived in the country as Mark Dunning confirmed: “He’s no closer. I spoke to Kev by text on Wednesday morning. He’s literally waiting for someone to stamp a piece of paper so he can jump on the paper.

“It’s out of our control. There’s no point in us getting stressed about it. As soon as he gets that piece of paper in his hand he’ll be on the next plane to sunny West Yorkshire.”

When asked if this meant he would automatically miss the opening round clash against Whitehaven, Dunning said:

“Not automatically. He would have to come and tick some boxes first. Nobody is guaranteed anything in this team anymore which wasn’t the case last year.

“There is competition across the field. It creates competition and work ethic.

“We’ll wait to see him and will welcome him with open arms. Just from talking to him, he is a fantastic bloke and a fluent English speaker.

“We’ll get him in and settle him in.

“He has been training hard over there. He is ready to go. He looks in good nick.”

Dunning also revealed that the Bulls beat other English clubs to his signature:

“Keven is coming over here, we’ve not thrown daft money at him. He’s coming here because he wants to come here and he wants to play for Bradford Bulls.

“He had offers from elsewhere in the English game but decided that the Bradford Bulls were right for him.

“That’s part of culture we are building for the club.”