MUCH is made of the amount of homegrown talent which has slipped through the Bulls’ fingers down the years.

Had things turned out a little differently, the likes of England stars John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead might still be plying their trade at their hometown club.

But the signing of Jonathan Walker at least signalled the return of a Bradford-born player who has the club very much in his heart.

Having started his career alongside twin brother Adam in the Bulls’ academy, it was the step up into the professional ranks which saw the Scotland internationals head separate ways.

Adam went to Huddersfield and is now at Hull KR while Jonathan moved to Castleford and then had a spell with his sibling at Craven Park.

He was released by Rovers and joined Leigh in July 2014, helping them to Grand Final glory against Featherstone last season before being sent out on loan to Whitehaven and London this year.

It was during these two loan spells that Walker played against the Bulls and his impressive performances persuaded Jimmy Lowes to hand him a 12-month deal.

Walker said: "I’m always hungry to prove myself anyway but the opportunity came up to join the Bulls, I knew I wanted to be here straight away because I’m a Bradford lad.

"I want to prove myself to the Bulls fans and do them proud.

“I had a few options in different countries but when my agent said Bradford were keen I jumped at the chance.

“I was chuffed to bits and it’s a great opportunity back at the club which has a big place in my heart.

“Adam and I are from Wrose and started off at Keighley Cougars in the scholarship before moving to Bradford, where we played in the academy for around one season.

"We then went our separate ways to Castleford and Huddersfield respectively.

"I was 16 when I left Bradford and it was disappointing at the time because I was a Bulls fan then and I still am now.

"I have always followed the club closely, checking their scores on Twitter, but I enjoyed my time at Castleford and all the experience I've had elsewhere.

"As soon as the opportunity came up to come back to Bradford, I knew I wanted to return to my hometown club and show how good I am.

"All my friends and family are Bradford fans, so they were over the moon when I told them I was joining the Bulls.

"I'm ready to settle down and prove myself here now, so hopefully it will prove the right choice in the long term.

"Hopefully I can bring a bit of leadership here and help some of the younger lads out too.

"I can't wait to rip in when the new season gets underway.”

Walker enjoyed clashing with the Bulls for London and Whitehaven this season, impressing with aggressive, hard-hitting style.

He said: “We pushed Bradford close down at the Hive.

“That was my first game for London and I got a lot more minutes than I expected.

“I have always looked to play well against the Bulls with them being my hometown club. Now I’m looking forward to playing well for them.

“I think those performances for Whitehaven and London convinced Jimmy about my capabilities because he saw how physical and aggressive I am.

“He said that was what he was looking for when I spoke to him and I’ve always had that aggressive side to my game.

“I like defending and it’s that physicality that Jimmy wants me to bring because it’s the best part of my game.”

Walker’s loan spells this season benefited him at a time when he was struggling to get a look-in at Leigh.

He explained: “I played for Leigh in the 2014 Grand Final, which was a good experience, and a bit at the start of this season before getting loaned out.

“I enjoyed my time at London in particular because I got longer minutes.

“At Leigh it wasn’t great because there were a lot of forwards in the front row and they weren’t rotating. I’m just glad to be at Bradford now.”

Walker knows many of the current Bradford squad and is determined to force his way into the starting line-up.

Paul Clough and Adam Sidlow could take some shifting, but Walker said: “I know Clough and Sidlow have done a really good job, but I’ll be looking to push for a starting role.

“I can cover loose forward as well, so it depends where Jimmy wants to play.

“If he brings me off the bench then that’s his choice, but I’ll be pushing for a starting spot.

“It’s great to be reunited with a lot of lads I know here. Tom Olbison and Danny Addy were both at the club when I was here previously and I know the likes of Omari Caro and Kris Welham from Hull KR.

“It’s good to be reunited with all these lads.”

Walker grew up supporting the Bulls and is desperate to help them achieve a Super League return in 2016.

He said: “I remember watching Bradford in the finals and it would be just awesome to get back in Super League where we belong.

“The boys got so close last year but just missed out. Being a Bradford lad it was hard to watch but it would be great to push strongly again this coming year.”