MATTY Blythe is targeting an immediate return to Super League after snubbing interest from top-flight clubs to sign a new two-year deal with the Bulls.

The versatile centre, 25, has proved a success at Odsal since joining from Warrington, initially on loan, at the start of last season.

He becomes the latest player to stay loyal to Bradford in the wake of the club’s relegation and is confident Jimmy Lowes’ men can bounce straight back.

Blythe, who is believed to have attracted strong interest from Widnes in particular, said: “I had a few chats with Super League clubs but I wanted to stay at Bradford.

“I love it here, the club has been really good to me and the fans are incredible.

“Obviously there have been ups and downs off the field but I’ve enjoyed myself.

“Everything needed to be right for me personally and my family and I wanted a two-year deal because I want to be at the club and help them succeed.

“We’ve got Super League-standard players here who are going to be staying, plus we’ve signed some really good players and I’m sure there are a few more on the way as well.

“It’s going to be a tough year next year and the physicality of the Championship is well known.

“It’s not ideal for us to be in that division but we’re going to work extra hard to get back into Super League and be a force again.

“I wanted to be a part of that and I think we can do something really special here.

“There has been massive uncertainty here because you train and then you go back to your personal life, but it’s a fresh start next year and hopefully we can bounce back.”

Lowes is delighted to have retained the services of Blythe as his squad continues to take shape.

The Bulls head coach said: “I’ve known Matty for a number of years and worked with him at Warrington.

“He did a fantastic job for me in a really tough situation and you don’t forget things like that.

“He’s that type of player – 110 per cent in whatever he does and I’m really pleased that he has decided to crack on with us next year.

“Physically he’s a lot better now when compared to his early days and he knows the game a little bit better, but you could see his raw talent back then.

“His ability to carry the ball, his enthusiasm and his willingness to play wherever he is asked to play. As a player he has evolved, in a good way.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls have confirmed that both Luke George and Elliot Kear will leave Odsal at the end of the season.

George is not thought to have another club lined up but Kear is attracting interest from London Welsh and Cardiff Blues as he prepares to cross codes.