Why Pryce put France over his love for the Bulls (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Why Leon Pryce put France over his love for the Bulls

7:50am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Bulls By Ross Heppenstall

Leon Pryce says he is loving life in the south of France as he prepares to make his Odsal return this weekend.

The Bradford-born stand-off, 30, quit St Helens to join Catalan Dragons on a three-year deal at the end of last season.

Pryce has moved his family to Perpignan and will make his Super League bow for the French outfit on Sunday.

Pryce, who left the Bulls after their last Grand Final success in 2005, told the Telegraph & Argus: “We’re loving it out here.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever lived outside of Bradford but the lifestyle is great.

“It’s a little bit harder for the kids because they were in school but we’re not far from the beach and it will be fantastic for them in the summer.”

Pryce held talks with the Bulls about a potential return to Odsal but admitted the lure of a lucrative switch to the sunnier climes of Perpignan was impossible to resist.

“Bradford is my club and I’ll always love the Bulls,” said Pryce.

“Obviously I would have loved to have come back if this move hadn’t materialised but moving to a different country and experiencing a different culture was a fantastic opportunity for me and my family.

“I think more players will do it. There is a real passion for the game over here, the lifestyle is great and Catalan have got a fantastic owner.

“He backs the team and gets players in. Not every attempt to expand the game outside Yorkshire and Lancashire has worked, but Catalan certainly has.”

The Dragons have an impressive young coach in Trent Robinson and the quality in their squad, which also includes former Bulls star Steve Menzies, has seen them tipped to enjoy a fine season.

Robinson’s troops fly to Manchester Airport tomorrow and will spend Saturday night at the Leeds Marriott ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Pryce added: “We’ve got some very good players – Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Scott Dureaux, Jean-Philippe Baile and Vincent Duport to name but a few.

“As for Bradford, the next couple of years will be a rebuilding process but getting back into the play-offs is a realistic aim. But I’m not concentrating on Bradford – we have a job to do on Sunday.”

There will be no reunion with younger brother Karl, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Leon added: “It’s down to Karl as a person and a player to perform this season and I’m sure he will do that.”