JASBIR Singh Athwal has been appointed to the Bulls' board as a non-executive director and will seek to bring new business to the club.

Athwal, who was recently made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, will also be tasked with increasing interest in rugby league in the city of Bradford.

Athwal, of Idle, pioneered rugby league within the Asian community during the 1970s and 1980s and is a long-time supporter of the Bulls.

"I am really pleased to be a part of the club I have supported for more than 30 years," said Athwal.

"The chairman, Marc Green, has put a fantastic team in place and I am very impressed with what he had to say about the direction he plans to take the club in.

"I feel honoured to have been asked to come on board and, given the fantastic work being done by directors and staff at the Bulls, I had little hesitation in agreeing to come on board.

"I believe I can bring plenty of experience to the table, having played the game from a young age, and – from a business perspective – I am able to bring a host of new contacts to the club through my network.

"Whatever is asked of me, I will do everything in my power to deliver and help this, the club I adore, reach great heights all over again."

Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul is a close friend of Athwal and said: "I have known Jas for almost 20 years, when he first became friends with both myself and Henry (Paul).

"It brings me great pleasure to formally introduce him to the club and I am certain his experience in the local business world will hugely benefit the club commercially.

"Jas is a great person and if you spend a moment in his company, you will understand exactly what I mean.

"Bradford Bulls, and Bradford Northern, have played an important part in his family's lives over the years and his knowledge of the game itself is second to none."

Meanwhile, tickets are now on sale for the Bulls' pre-season friendly against Huddersfield on Sunday, January 18 (kick-off 3pm).

All places in the Provident Stand are reserved, with prices starting at £15 (adults), £10 (concessions/young adults), £5 (youths) and £3 (juniors).

Premier Club seating is available, on a first-come first-served basis, at £20 (adults), £15 (concession/young adults), £10 (youths) and £10 (juniors).

Only the Provident Stand and the conference and banqueting facility will be open for the game, although the Bulls are offering a hospitality upgrade for £15.

This includes a hot buffet, executive seats on the Legends Suite's balcony and a car park pass.

Tickets can be purchased from the Bulls ticket office or by calling 08448-711490 during normal office hours.