Jamie Langley has never been one to do things the easy way.

A bustling, energetic presence on the pitch, it’s clear to even the most uneducated observer the Bulls back-rower is not one to shy away from the hard graft.

And in this case, life certainly emulates art.

After a season of relentless struggles at Odsal – including an 11-game losing run, a stack of injuries and the departure of Steve McNamara – Langley admits he could have looked for a quick fix.

Apparently courted by the likes of Leeds, Warrington and Huddersfield, the 26-year-old England international didn’t lack options when it came to chasing success beyond 2010.

But turning his back on Bradford was never a realistic option, even after two seasons of underachievement in Super League.

By signing a new three-year deal to stay at Odsal, Langley has already started on the arduous road back to the top.

“It’s all been drawn out a little bit longer than both parties would have liked but that’s through no fault of our own,” he said.

“There was never any doubt I wanted to stay at the club. I’ve not had my mind on anything else, it’s always been firmly on Bradford.

“It’s been tough but if I had jumped ship that would have been an easy way out. I’ve had other clubs interested in me but I’ve put them all to one side because I’ve always been happy at Bradford.

“The challenge is a big part of it as well. I’m happy here and I want to help them get back to the top.”

Born on the doorstep of rivals Castleford to a father with strong connections to Leeds – double title-winning centre John – Langley’s Bradford connections came as something of a surprise.

But, given the chance to join them as a 15-year-old, the former Normanton Knights amateur immediately felt a sense of belonging – one that has not diminished through ten years.

His testimonial year has not run as smoothly as expected on the pitch but Langley is excited to be starting a new chapter in 2011 under incoming coach Mick Potter.

“It’s easy to concentrate on the negatives but I’m really positive we can make the right signings and really start to turn things round,” he said.

“We can be a force to be reckoned with next year, and I want to be a part of that. I’m determined to help put us back among the top sides in the competition.

“I can’t wait. It’s a fresh start and I’m sure he will come in with a really professional attitude and the lads will respond well to him.”

When he made his Bulls debut in 2002, Langley joined a fearsome side full of international stars, Grand- Final winners just a year previously.

The ascent of the club’s current rookies comes in stark contrast, forced into action by a string of injuries amid a battle at the wrong end of the table, although Langley is confident the ultimate destination should not be too dissimilar.

“There are promising signs,” said the Bulls’ vice-captain. “We’ve got one of the best youth set-ups in the league.

"These young lads have all come through in difficult circumstances and have done really well, so there’s a great base to work on.

“The situation they’ve come into couldn’t be more different to the one I came into but I do think we’re headed in the same direction.

“This is a great club to be involved with and if we can strengthen the squad we will be able to compete with the bigger teams.”

* Salford are expected to announce the signing of Bulls centre Chris Nero after his departure from Odsal was confirmed earlier this week.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and turned down the offer of a new deal from his current club.