Hard-working Steve Crossley is fulfilling his childhood dream by signing for the Bulls – and getting to see his own child grow up in the process.

The England Academy prop has been rewarded for some excellent form this year by winning a full-time contract at Grattan Stadium.

It means Crossley, 19, can pack in his arduous 60-hour weeks as a warehouse operative to concentrate on becoming a Super League player – and get some much- needed quality time with his young family.

“I was getting up at 4.30am in the morning, working 12-hour shifts, not getting home until seven at night and then going straight out to train with the Bulls Academy,” he explained.

“It was hard and I didn’t get to see much of my little girl but the club has been really good to me.

“They knew my situation, were lenient at times so I could miss some sessions, and took everything on board.

“Getting this full-time deal now is the best thing that could have happened.

“I’m a Bradford lad, have always wanted to play for my home-town team and now I get to see my little girl grow up too.”

A big, strong-running front-rower, Crossley proved a real hit in the Bulls’ successful Junior Academy side this summer.

It was no surprise when he earned a place on England’s trip to Australia and, as one of six Bulls heading Down Under, he claimed the Player of the Tour award with some towering displays.

Crossley enhanced his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young forwards and the former Clayton ARLFC junior said: “That award meant a lot to me.

“It was a great experience and to come back and then have Steve McNamara offer me a deal was great.

“When he brought me in full-time, I grabbed it.

“He’s told me this year I might get a chance or it might build up to something the season after but I know what I have to do.

“I’ve got to train hard, get my head down and learn as much as I can.

“I started full training last week and it is tough but I’m loving it.

“People like Sam Burgess and Andy Lynch – people I’ve grown up watching – are always talking to me and pushing me along.

“It’s a real privilege working with players like that and I’m giving everything my best shot.”

Huddersfield Giants offered Crossley a deal too but he said: “Once Bradford said they wanted me, that was it.”