ROB Parker is sitting in his office listing men who played key roles in Bradford Bulls' triumphs of yesteryear and have since returned to the club.

"You've got Robbie Hunter-Paul, Jimmy Lowes, myself, Karl Pratt – and some assistant coach whose name I can't remember," says the club's commercial manager.

He is referring to Karl Harrison, who is standing close by in earshot, and Parker's attempt to keep a straight face fails as both men erupt into laughter.

Parker clearly has all the respect in the world for a man who once made him captain of his country.

"Just after 'Rhino' left Bradford in 2002, he went to Salford and became England coach," recalls Parker.

"He was asked 'so what was the reason behind picking Rob Parker as captain?'

"The reply from Rhino was 'he's my mate', and I'll always be grateful for that. I don't think it was anything to do with the fact that I could play rugby, but never mind!

"There are now people who are recognised in the game with Bradford Bulls as being successful who are coming back to the club."

While Harrison is gearing up for life as assistant to Lowes ahead of the start of pre-season training next week, Parker has made himself at home since returning to Odsal two months ago.

Last week's news that he had secured a significant five-figure one-year sponsorship deal with Shipley-based paint manufacturer Manor Coatings filled him with enormous pride.

It was his first big deal since being appointed.

"I can't compete on the field any more, so my inclusion in the team is to try and bring as much revenue as possible into the club off the field," says 33-year-old Parker.

"It's like scoring your first try. I have come in here and we have done a deal with Manor Coatings, so I'm delighted.

"You always remember your first girlfriend, don't you? Manor Coatings are like my first girlfriend since I came back to the Bulls!

"They have been brilliant and they tick all the boxes in that they are a local company with a good turnover and they employ a lot of Bradford people.

"They are quite unique in what they do and they have a lot of heritage in that they have been running for just over 75 years.

"Bradford Bulls have been established for a similar period of time, so there are a lot of similarities between the two organisations."

It has been well documented that the Bulls' brand has taken a severe battering in recent times – but Parker senses that confidence is returning.

He points to the deal with Manor Coatings, whose logo will take up a position on the Bulls' 2015 playing jerseys, with the firm's branding featuring around the Provident Stadium as well.

"To now bring on board a new company who have never worked with Bradford Bulls before is amazing and the fact they are a Bradford company is even better," says Parker.

"We are all about the people of Bradford and looking after our own and making sure people get the exposure they deserve.

"There are more sponsors to come on board and some interesting ones too.

"There are a couple more who have renewed and we have a few others in the pipeline, who are again good, successful Bradford companies.

"Manor Coatings is a good platform for other companies to think 'if they are doing it, why aren't we?' It's a domino effect and the trust is coming back into Bradford.

"I'm excited about what the future holds because we have started to rebuild and get back those feelings we had previously in 2003, 2004 and 2005."

Parker could easily have stayed as general manager at Leigh Centurions, his local club, and enjoyed the easy life. Instead, he took the decision to try and play his part in returning a sleeping giant back to where they belong.

"Every morning I get up an hour and a half earlier and I get home probably an hour and a half later, but it doesn't bother me," says the Bolton-based former prop.

"There is the old-age saying that if you do a job you enjoy then you don't do a day's work. That sums me up."

Trust is returning not only from local companies and supporters but from within the club itself.

Parker explains: "The beauty of Bradford Bulls is that everyone chips in at any time.

We had the season-ticket launch and there were different things that needed doing, so I started selling raffle tickets. I also helped out serving beer.

"Yes, everyone had their own designated roles but if someone is struggling then you go and help them out.

"Like when you're on a field, if your prop is struggling then your wingers come in and take a carry. That's the beauty of the team ethic we have here."