Stanley Gene may be wearing the red and white of Hull KR again but he will always cherish his time at Bradford.

One of the most respected players of his generation, Gene has brought colour and character, not least sheer guts and determination, to wherever he has laced his boots.

However, whether it be at Rovers, Hull, Huddersfield or in his native Papua New Guinea, that hasn't been rewarded with glory in the form of silverware and the veteran half-back was destined to go down in the rugby league annals as one of the game's nearly men.

So, when the chance came to join big-time Bulls last season, he jumped at it and went on to enjoy the ride.

That barren run ended in his first match when he scored twice to help guide Bulls to the World Club Challenge title and Gene quickly became a massively influential member of Steve McNamara's squad, finally appearing on the big stage his undeniable talent deserved.

It was short and sweet though. During the winter, he returned to Rovers, the club that first handed him a shot in English rugby more than a decade ago after starring in the 1995 World Cup.

Now he is ready to give the newly-promoted Robins the sort of experience that will be vital to keep them up in Super League.

And on Sunday, Gene is hoping to line up with them against the Bulls in a friendly organised as part of the deal.

"I'm fit and ready to go, it's just whether the coach wants me to play or he decides to leave me out to test some of the young lads," he says.

"It'd be nice to play against the Bradford boys though and see the supporters again as they were great to me last year.

"It was the best season of my entire career and I have to thank Brian Noble and Steve McNamara for taking me there. I loved it from the first match until the last. I can't say how great the fans were and would like to thank them especially.

"I'd never played for such a big club before - apart from Hull KR! - and I won my first trophy there as well that night at Huddersfield. It was a brilliant move for me."

The Bulls were originally labelled the Golden Oldies after the-then boss Brian Noble brought 31-year-olds Gene and Chris McKenna, as well as 33-year-old Marcus Bai, to Grattan Stadium.

But all three proved hits, Gene in particular as his versatility, enthusiasm and doggedness saw him regularly make timely interventions for the Super League giants.

It is a long-held rugby league story that Gene is actually more of an elder statesman than he officially makes out but there was no one arguing after his exploits in Super League XI.

"When I first came, some people were questioning how old I was but I like to think I proved them wrong," he says.

"I always liked challenges and I got that at Bradford.

"I didn't play too many games but I was really looking after myself for this year to be ready to push on.

"Ideally, I would liked to have stayed another year but circumstances meant it was better that I came back to Hull KR and that is something I'd always wanted to do before I finished."

Gene - who has always packed a remarkable punch despite standing just 5ft 4in - does himself an injustice when he mentions his game-time with the Bulls. He actually featured 24 times and contributed ten tries. Only a couple of knee problems prevented more.

And what about the Bulls' chances next season?

"I expect them to finish top four," he adds. "Bradford have really good forwards this year, although they might struggle at half-back when someone gets injured. I can only see Iestyn (Harris) and Deacs but when I was there I could probably cover both positions.

"I do think they've got the best back-row around though, with Glenn Morrison and David Solomona coming in alongside Jamie Langley.

"I've always rated Langers and playing with him was brilliant last year. He's a great bloke and he'll probably learn even more now off Morrison and Solomona."

Meanwhile, Gene, who officially turns 33 in May, has no plans to call it a day.

"I had a year left at Bradford and I've got two years here now," he says.

"You never know, if the body's okay I'd probably do another five!"

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