Jamie Foster held talks with Bulls coach Francis Cummins yesterday over a deal that could see him spend the 2013 campaign on loan at Odsal.

The goal-kicking St Helens winger has again been made available by his parent club after a successful loan spell at Hull FC during the past season.

Cummins met with the 22-year-old wideman and his representative in Leeds yesterday afternoon to open negotiations over a potential switch to the Bulls.

The arrival of Foster would give Cummins another attacking option following the departure of Karl Pryce but would appear to leave Shaun Ainscough facing an increasingly uncertain future.

The popular winger’s contract expired at the end of the season and he has admitted he may be forced to turn down the offer on the table from the Bulls, saying: “I’m not sure it’s enough to support the three of us (his girlfriend and son).”

Ian Sibbit, who left Odsal at the end of the season after calling time on his Super League career, believes his former team-mate deserves a pay rise after hitting double figures during the 2012 campaign.

Sibbit said: “I thought Shaun was fantastic last season. He scored a lot of tries and his work-rate was outstanding.

“Not only does he score tries, he saves them too and a lot of the work he does chasing back goes unnoticed.

“I know Bradford have got budgets and restrictions and need to be careful after what happened last year.

“But I certainly believe that Shaun is worth more than what he was on last year. It would be a mistake to offer him less than he was on then.

“He’s got a girlfriend and a child to support and is someone who I was glad to have on my team.”

Sibbit feels Ainscough is exactly the kind of character that Cummins will need next season.

“Shaun is a great personality and is great at lifting people’s spirits,” said the former back-rower.

“Not only is he a good player but he’s also a great guy to have around the place.”

The Bulls, meanwhile, will hold a sponsors evening tomorrow night as they look to attract revenue into the club.

The event, which kicks off at 7pm in the Coral Stand, will include a complimentary buffet provided by new owner Omar Khan and live entertainment from the Teri Sullivan Band.

Bradford general manager Ryan Whitcut said: “We want as many local businesses and supporters as possible to come along and join up as partners of the Bulls for next season and beyond.

“We have sponsorship packages from as little as £50 and, as always at the Bulls, there is something to suit everyone.

“Sponsorship will play a massive part of what we want to achieve at the club going forward and we are sure all supporters and businesses will be delighted at what we have to offer them.”

The Bulls say they have hit 2,128 in season-ticket sales for next term.


Khan said he hoped supporters would jump on board and buy season tickets following the recent raft of re-signings such as John Bateman, Luke Gale, Manase Manuokafoa, Chev Walker and Jarrod Sammut.


Meanwhile, rookie stand-off Jordan Aitchison has signed a one-year contract with Keighley Cougars after his return to the club following his departure from the Bulls.