RICHIE Mathers admits he will be the busiest man in rugby league following his shock switch to Bradford.

The former Super League star has come out of retirement to join the Bulls on a 12-month deal and will combine playing with his two other jobs.

Mathers works three days a week as player welfare manager at Warrington Wolves and also has an ambassadorial role at kit manufacturer ISC.

The hectic schedule does not faze the 32-year-old full back, whose six-month ban from rugby league for breaching betting rules ended yesterday.

Mathers played with Bulls assistant coaches Chev Walker and Matt Diskin in Leeds’ 2004 Grand Final-winning side and worked under boss Jimmy Lowes during their time together at Warrington.

“I got a text off Chev last week and had spoken to Jimmy a couple of times, but this wasn’t something I was actively seeking,” said Mathers, whose wife comes from a family of Bulls supporters.

“I had a good relationship with Jimmy at Warrington and the meetings I’ve had with Steve Ferres since really sold the dream to me and got the juices flowing again.

“There were still plenty of hurdles to overcome personally with my family and my roles at Warrington and ISC, which have set me on a journey for life after rugby.

“I didn’t want to give that up, but Tony Smith and Roger Draper (Warrington chief executive) have given me their blessing and I really appreciate that.

“On my days off at Bradford, I’ll be at Warrington and also afternoons if we finish early.

“It’s not going to be a problem but my diary is going to have to be very well organised.

“I remember Matt Diskin running his property business when he was at Leeds, so most players have a sideline these days and rightly so.

“During my short time in the welfare role, it’s something that is actively encouraged.

“I’m going to be really busy and I don’t think my family will see much of me this season.

“But when I considered everything, playing again at Bradford was just too good an opportunity to turn down.

“I assessed the pros and cons, spoke to my dad and some people I trusted within the game, one of whom I played with. They said it would be great to take on the challenge.”

Mathers announced his retirement last September, two weeks after receiving a six-month suspension for breaching betting rules.

He had a year remaining on his deal with London Broncos at the time but called time on his career after his ban left him disillusioned with the game.

Mathers has always maintained his innocence and admitted at the time that the saga had proved traumatic for him and his family.

Mathers added: “I stand by what I said because, having played the game since I was eight years old, to be put in that situation ripped the soul out of me.

“People who know me are well placed to judge me for who I am.”

Mathers will not play in tonight’s friendly against Castleford but could come into contention for next Sunday’s Championship opener at home to Featherstone.

Mathers will compete with Oscar Thomas, Johnny Campbell and James Clare for the full back berth.

He said: “I’m in good shape but you sort of de-sanitise yourself from getting knocked about, so I probably need the likes of Ben Kavanagh and a few others to throw me about in training.

“I feel good as a result of not playing for a while and I’ve been training to keep fit and healthy, although not as a rugby player.

“But I know what works for me and I’ve always prided myself on my professionalism and looking after myself.

“I’m only 32 and I’d like to think I’m fit and can still contribute. If Jimmy thinks I can, then why not?”

l LEIGH head coach Paul Rowley has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the new season by announcing his resignation.

Rowley, 40, a former Leigh and England hooker who has been on the club's backroom staff since 2008, cited personal reasons for his decision to quit, just 10 days before the Centurions' opening Championship fixture.

"It is with a heavy heart I have decided to resign of coach of Leigh Centurions," he said in a short statement.

"My reasons for leaving are personal and I will not comment further in public or in private.

"I thank the players for everything they have given me and the club. My only regret is that I will not be there this year to lead them once more."