FOR many rugby league players in Bradford, it is seen as the ultimate aim to represent the Bulls.

For some time now, George Flanagan has reconciled himself to the possibility that his chance of playing first-team rugby for the club he grew up supporting may have gone.

But he is not about to give up on his dream of becoming a full-time player just yet.

Flanagan spent six years on the books at Odsal in the junior and reserve grades before leaving at the end of 2008 to join Batley.

He has played in the Championship ever since and recently signed for newly-promoted Hunslet, so he will get the chance to face his home-town club next season.

The 28-year-old hooker said: "I was 14 when I got scouted for Bradford by Mark Robinson and signed up on the scholarship.

"It was a dream because I had been watching the Bulls for many years with my dad and uncle and I regularly take my nine-year-old son George to Odsal now.

"To support the club all my life and then play for them was fantastic.

"Jimmy Lowes was my idol and he once gave me some little tips during a coaching session at Bradford.

"I always looked up to him and still speak to him whenever I can.

"When I left Bradford, I was a bit gutted – but if I got the opportunity to go back in the not-too-distant future, then I would jump at the chance.

"I never really got the opportunity to go full-time at Bradford. I was always part-time, although I did train with the first-team squad on a few occasions.

"It's always been a dream of mine to get into that full-time environment because I think it would help me as a player and a person.

"I'd like to make my son proud and if I can have a big season and stay injury-free, then who knows what might happen at the end of the year?"

Flanagan, who works for a road construction firm, and wife Toni are parents to George and daughter Lilly, who is six.

Although now a family man, Flanagan was reckless in his younger years, copping a two-year ban from rugby for failing doping regulations before going on trial on conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

A jury at Bradford Crown Court took only an hour to find him not guilty but Flanagan admits the drugs ban was a dark period in his life.

He explained: "Back then I was on the verge of losing everything – and I did for a short period of time. I made a mistake which hurt me and my family.

"It's not something I'm proud of and I get angry with myself just talking about it. I was in a really bad place – but I've kicked on with my career since then.

"I've not achieved as much as I would like to have achieved because I wanted to be a full-time professional.

"I'm 28 now and not getting any younger, so I think this year is probably make or break in terms of trying to get that full-time spot.

"If it happens, then great, but if it doesn't then I'll look back on my career and think 'I've enjoyed playing rugby and it's something I love doing'."

Flanagan, who is currently recovering from a broken fibula, is looking forward to playing for Hunslet in an ultra-competitive Championship next season.

He has also been asked to assist with the coaching duties at Dudley Hill, where his son George is a promising junior player.

Flanagan, who joined the Hawks from Featherstone, said: "Hunslet have signed some really good players and I'm really looking forward to facing the Bulls.

"I played against Bradford in a friendly for Dewsbury in 2012 but have not played at Odsal since I left the club.

"I've already spoken to my dad and my wife about what a good experience it's going to be. I've no doubt Bradford will be one of the stronger teams in the Championship next year."