BULLS hooker Nathan Conroy is to join Dewsbury on a permanent deal from next season.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at the Tetley’s Stadium and will stay there for the rest of the campaign.

He will then join Glenn Morrison’s men on a one-year contract to become the Rams’ first new signing for 2016.

Conroy has progressed through the ranks at Bradford and made his debut in a final-round home win over Huddersfield in 2013.

Bradford-born Conroy made four first-team appearances last season but has appeared just once this term – in round five at Batley – with Adam O'Brien and Vila Halafihi having emerged as the Bulls' two first-choice hookers.

Conroy has spent time at Oxford before joining Dewsbury, for whom he has scored two tries in six appearances for the Rams.

Conroy said: “I’d like to say thank you to all of my coaches, team-mates and the staff at Bradford Bulls for everything they’ve done for me during my time with the club.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Rams so far, I feel that I have settled in well, and believe I can continue my development under Glenn and alongside some great players here.

“I believe that with the players we have at this club we will be fighting for the top four next season. I genuinely believe we can achieve that.”

Former Bulls back-rower Morrison said: “Nathan came to us on loan earlier this year and fitted in perfectly.

“He expressed his desire to stay here longer and I couldn’t be happier that we’ve got him signed for the Rams next season.

“Nathan brings a lot of energy on the field and has a good footy brain.

“He is wanting to learn and better himself and I think he has a big future in the game.”

The Bulls are understood to be close to confirming a move to sign Castleford winger James Clare for the rest of the season.

Batley full back Johnny Campbell looks certain to join Bradford from the start of next season but the Bulls are not believed to be interested in bringing Karl Pryce back to Odsal for a third spell at his hometown club.

The Bulls were recently offered the chance to sign former Leeds star Lee Smith but turned the opportunity down and the player has since joined Wakefield.