PHIL Joseph has returned to the Bulls on a two-year deal and admitted: I’ve got unfinished business here.

The powerhouse prop spent the 2012 campaign at Odsal but only made six appearances and went on to enjoy successful stints at Widnes and Salford in Super League.

He had another year left on his contract with the Red Devils and they were keen to keep him, but Joseph felt it was time for a fresh start.

After former Bulls team-mate Chev Walker sounded him out about a return to Bradford, Joseph jumped at the opportunity to head back to his native West Yorkshire.

The Huddersfield-born 31-year-old said: “Bradford are a sleeping giant at the moment but Rohan has a buzz about him and is going to create something special here.

“You speak to people about Bradford and they are still held in high regard.

“It's still thought of as a massive club, so for me to hopefully be a massive part of helping them get back to Super League is going to be great.

“Chev contacted me to see if I would like to come to Bradford.

“Everything just fell into place and I felt straight away, from speaking to Rohan, that he was someone who could get the best out of me.

“I can see where Bradford want to go and I'm very confident in my ability, so hopefully I can get them back into Super League and do well again there.

“I feel that I can give a lot of experience and passion and be a leader of the pack.”

The Wales international, who is preparing for his side’s autumn internationals, had been working in pubs and clubs in Huddersfield and playing rugby part-time when Mick Potter handed him a one-year deal ahead of the 2012 campaign.

Four years on, he believes he returns to Bradford a better player and a better person.

Joseph explained: “Going into a full-time environment at Bradford was the best decision I ever made and it has really moulded me as a man.

“It wasn't a great environment when I was working in bars and I wasn't in a great place personally either.

“But my life has taken a massive U-turn since then and I'm so happy I made that decision to give professional rugby another crack.

“If I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be where I am now.”

Joseph had been recommended to Potter by then Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown ahead of the 2012 campaign.

He remembered: “My first stint at Bradford, I don't feel that Mick Potter had enough faith in me.

“He was basically handed me by Nathan Brown, so it was a bit awkward and I didn't get a fair crack.

“It's the nature of the beast and I just didn't fit into Bradford’s systems at that particular time.

“I believe things happen for a reason and I'm back now and looking forward to the challenge ahead. I definitely feel I have unfinished business here.”

Head coach Smith said: “One of the most pleasing things about Phil is that he really wants to improve and play more game time and he feels like he’s got his best footie ahead of him.

“I’m looking forward to helping him with that and giving him the opportunity to show everything he’s got.

“When I chatted with Phil it was clear the Bulls meant a lot to him and he was very eager to get back here again.

“That’s what we want to create; people who really want to play for the brand, the club and the community and the city, and we want to grow something really special here.”

Meanwhile, Lewis Charnock has agreed a move to League One outfit Barrow for next season.

The scrum half ended the 2016 campaign on loan at Bradford from St Helens and was left searching for a club for next year before Barrow handed him a two-year deal.