The Bulls have allowed Stanley Gene a return to Super League new-boys Hull Kingston Rovers.

The popular Papua New Guinea international cuts short his stay at Grattan Stadium and aims to help his old team consolidate their position in the top flight.

"It is the club that gave me my chance and it has always been my dream to play for Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League," said Gene.

"I asked to be released so I could come back to Rovers while I was still playing at the top of my game."

The utility man was entering the final season of his contract with Bradford, having signed from Huddersfield Giants last winter.

It was thought 32-year-old Gene would retire at the end of 2007 but he has secured a two-year deal with the Robins, where he began his English career a decade ago.

Bulls boss Steve McNamara, also a former team-mate of Gene's at Huddersfield, said: "Stan was great for us last year, performed really well at Bradford and we wish him all the success in the future.

"This move gives him a fantastic opportunity to prolong his career and also return to the club where he began and enjoyed so much success."

Gene's departure will also free up space on the salary cap to make way for David Solomona and McNamara admitted: "It is a deal that suits everyone."

First time around, Gene enjoyed cult status at Rovers, scoring 94 tries in 111 appearances, having been spotted starring for Papua New Guinea in the 1995 World Cup.

He went on to play for neighbours Hull and Huddersfield before moving to Odsal.

Many critics knocked then boss Brian Noble for signing the ageing veteran but Gene proved a big hit in Bulls colours, especially for his much- valued versatility. Coming off the bench, the pocket dynamo would often fill three roles in one match, whether it be hooker, second row, half-back or even prop.

Gene's boundless enthusiasm, determination and experience had a massive influence on the Bradford side and he quickly endeared himself to the club's fans.

A knee injury, the second of his season, saw him miss the play-offs but Gene had already made a huge contribution, scoring nine tries - including a memorable hat-trick against Catalans - from 23 games, including 19 substitute appearances.

His sole season with Bradford also saw the much-respected player finally lift a major trophy for the first time in his career, crossing in the World Club Challenge success over Wests Tigers at Galpharm Stadium.

Gene is Rovers' fourth signing since they clinched promotion, joining Michael Vella (Parramatta), Jim Gannon (Huddersfield) and Mark O'Neill (Leeds) - with more to come.

"The signing of Stanley is a significant one and, as a newly-promoted club, for us to be able to sign a player of Stan's calibre is fantastic," said chairman Neil Hudgell.

"Stan is one of the game's greatest characters and will definitely be a fans' favourite here. His knowledge of the game enables him to be looked upon as a great mentor for some of the younger players."

  • Former Bulls favourite Mike Forshaw is expected to rejoin his old Bradford boss Brian Noble at Wigan after resigning as Warrington's conditioner.

The 36-year-old played under Noble at Odsal for seven years before finishing his career at Warrington in 2004, and joined the coaching staff at the Halliwell Jones Stadium a year ago.

  • Bulls season-ticket holders in the Tetley's Main Stand have until tomorrow to purchase their existing seats for 2007.

All unclaimed seats will be put on general sale on Monday at 9.30am.