BOYHOOD Bulls fan Kurt Haggerty yesterday began training with his new team-mates as he admitted: “It's a dream come true to be here.”

The second-rower or loose forward from St Helens grew up supporting Bradford during their glory years of yesteryear.

And he is determined to establish himself in Jimmy Lowes’ side after leaving Championship rivals Leigh.

The 26-year-old was contracted to the Centurions until the end of 2016 but he agreed a mutual release and has signed a one-year deal at Odsal with the option of a second year in the club’s favour.

Haggerty,who represented Ireland during the 2013 World Cup, said: “Believe it or not, I was actually a Bradford Bulls fan as a kid growing up in St Helens.

“I always went to the odd game at Odsal and followed them closely.

“I watched the likes of Robbie and Henry Paul and that great side with a fantastic pack who dominated Super League for a period of time.

“I also went to a World Club Challenge to watch the Bulls and used to have a Bradford jersey.

“I was on scholarship at St Helens and used to turn up in my Bradford kit, which didn't go down too well!”

Haggerty played with Paul Clough and Lee Gaskell in the Saints’ academy and had a brief loan spell in France with Carcassonne.

The son of former St Helens international forward Roy has also enjoyed stints with Blackpool Panthers, Widnes, Barrow and Leigh.

Haggerty added: “I was under contract for another year at Leigh but circumstances prevailed where there was a mutual agreement for me to leave.

“I had to make a decision pretty quickly and have come off better for it because I’ve got a deal at the Bulls, so I’m made up.

“My agent spoke to Steve Ferres and he was really keen, so we soon got the deal sorted and I had my first training session with the club today.”

Bulls hooker Adam O’Brien has been linked with a move to Leeds but chairman Marc Green took to Twitter last night to flatly deny the speculation.

He said: “Can't help rumours and usually happy to let them play themselves out but one rumour I will happily quash – Adam O’Brien is going nowhere. End of.”