The Bulls have beaten off Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors to win the prized signature of Britain's top schoolboy talent.

Hot prospect James Donaldson, 16, has ignored the advances of the Super League champions and Brian Noble's side to put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Grattan Stadium.

His capture is a huge long-term boost for Bradford, who are making youth recruitment a major priority in readiness for new rules set to kick-in by 2011.

In just three years' time, all Super League clubs must have eight home-grown players in their first-team squad, meaning great emphasis has been put on the current battle to snap up leading under-16s talent.

They hope to announce the arrival of at least NINE top juniors in the coming weeks, with highly-rated England Schoolboys forward Donaldson the first to be confirmed.

"James has been one of the most sought after players in the whole country," said head coach Steve McNamara.

"He's been chased very hard by Wigan, Leeds and ourselves.

"We've all been vying for his signature so obviously we're absolutely delighted he's decided to join the Bulls and that he sees his best career path and way of progression into being a Super League player here at Bradford."

"James is probably currently rated the best player in his age group and is a really exciting prospect.

"He's a big, strong, skilful forward who can play prop, second-row or loose forward and we're excited at being able to work with him."

Cumbrian Donaldson joins from Wath Brown Hornets ARLFC and will move from the Whitehaven area to Bradford later this summer.

McNamara has high hopes for the youngster and will thrust him straight into full-time training with the Bulls' Super League squad.

Donaldson said: "I can't wait and it's a great opportunity for me.

"Not many lads up here get spotted to play for Super League clubs and I'm so proud to be signing for Bradford Bulls.

"They are not only a great rugby club but also a family club who are dedicated to bringing out the best in of all their players.

"I felt really comfortable there with all the people and I hope I can measure up to their expectations."

Donaldson, who cites Sam Burgess as one of his role models along with former Bulls favourites Jamie Peacock and Stuart Fielden, admits the Bradford head coach was a major pulling factor.

"It was Steve McNamara really," he said.

"He just seems like the perfect coach. He came to see me up here and I liked what he had to say.

"He told me how he chose to play for Hull instead of Leeds as a kid because of the coach there and I'm doing the same now.

"I promise to work as hard as I can to help them believe they have done the right thing in signing me and also to repay the support that has been shown to me by my family and friends, my school and everyone at Wath Brow Hornets.

"I've always wanted to become a Super League player, ever since being six years old. Bradford are the club to help me do that."

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