GARETH O'Brien has revealed how he signed for the Bulls – before Warrington pulled the plug on the move.

The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a deal with Bradford after Jimmy Lowes' appointment at Odsal.

But in a U-turn from Warrington, the half-back found himself back in Tony Smith's team at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

O'Brien, who has now agreed a new deal to stay with the Wolves until 2016, said: "It was a strange situation. I'd signed for Bradford but it all fell through in the end.

"Tony came to me earlier in the year and we were unsure whether there was a place for me in the team.

"He was honest and said 'Jimmy Lowes is interested in taking you to Bradford'.

"That would have been a first choice half-back position. I went back to my family and really gave it a good thought.

"I thought it might be a good move to take a step back into the Championship and have a really good season there, then hopefully have something to fall back on the following year.

"It was a surreal situation. I got a phone call off my agent saying 'things have changed and this is the situation now, what do you think?'

"I had a bit more to think about then, and this is while we had games to prepare for, so my head was all over the show.

"Credit to Bradford and Jimmy Lowes, they were willing to release me back to my parent club so I could stay in Super League.

"I've got to really thank them for letting me fulfil my career in Super League."

It was a difficult time for O'Brien, but after impressing in Warrington's play-offs campaign he is confident it was the right choice.

"You've got to be professional and put those things to one side to do what's right for your team," he said. "I've made the right decision in the end.

"I was all set for Bradford and committed to that move. I know a few of the boys up there so was all set for travelling and getting stuck in, but I had a job to do at Warrington and it all changed within a couple of weeks.

"I found myself staying at Warrington, which I'm over the moon with. That's just sport. That's how it is, a weird profession.

"One minute you can be in the doldrums with no self-esteem and it only takes a couple of games to pick you up, be back full of confidence and where you want to be.

"You've got to keep positive and believe in your ability. Wherever you think you can get to I'm sure you can if you believe in yourself."

Now the Warrington-born half-back is determined to continue the form that earned him a new deal.

"I'm made up," he said. "This is my hometown club and really where I want to play, so I'm over the moon to be extending my deal.

"He (Smith) had a chat to me, saying I had a strong finish and it's put me in good stead for next season.

"That's the goal, to keep the spot I've had in the play-offs. I've got to start all over again in pre-season, working hard, getting fit and proving to the coaches I'm still ready for that starting spot next season."