Bulls coach Francis Cummins reckons Luke Gale can play a key role in writing the next chapter in the club’s history.

Cummins yesterday confirmed the 25-year-old England Knights scrum half as his vice-captain and backed him to thrive on the added responsibility.

Gale has suffered two cruel injury setbacks in each of his two seasons at the Bulls but is now fully fit and raring to go.

Cummins said: “Luke has to step up now and write the next chapter for Bradford Bulls. He is still seen as a younger player but he’s 25 now and, for our group, he’s not that young anymore.

“But in the position he plays, he will be on the field more often than not so he ticks that box as a leader and a vice-captain. He’s ready to take on more responsibility – he’s got to be in charge of the team.”

Cummins, who said new recruit Frank Winterstein would resume pre-season training on January 2 after returning home to get married, has so far managed to keep his squad intact.

He added: “There is interest in my players but I suspect the bigger teams are hoping to force players onto London Broncos and then try and have a crack at ours.

“London have got some options as well because they’re now back in the game but nothing is moving quickly.”