7:20am Thursday 9th July 2009
By Dave Craven
Terry Newton today admitted he is leaving the Bulls at the end of the season.
The Great Britain hooker will depart Odsal after four years at the club, having failed to agree a new deal.
Bradford had discussed a 12-month extension with Newton, who will be 31 when Super League XV gets underway, but the player hopes to tie down a longer contract elsewhere, with several Super League clubs vying for his signature.
Rumours circulated last weekend that he had already signed with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for 2010.
However, although confirming today for the first time he is on his way out, Newton insists he has not yet decided on his future.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years at the Bulls,” said the talented rake.
“It’s a great club to play for and I’d like to thank everyone there for their help and support during my time there. “I am sad to leave but at this stage of my career I feel I need the security of a two-year contract for my future and that of my family.
“Wakefield are showing some interest, as are other clubs, but I’ve got to make the best choice for me and my family, both to prolong my career but also thinking about silverware. I’ll have a big decision to make pretty soon.”
Newton joined Bradford from home-town Wigan Warriors at the end of 2005 and has made 92 appearances, scoring 27 tries.
A combative and experienced dummy-half operator, he has become a pivotal part of the Bulls operation but has ultimately failed to quench his personal thirst for success.
Despite arriving when the Bulls had appeared in five consecutive Grand Finals and were newly-crowned champions, Newton has been unable to pick up that elusive Super League winners’ ring.
Bradford have not returned to Old Trafford once during his spell at Odsal and he admits that has been the one let-down in his time there.
“I came here expecting to win some trophies so it is a bit upsetting that has never happened,” he conceded.
“I am surprised. When I joined the club there were some big names here – Shontayne Hape, Lesley Vainikolo and Joe Vagana – and signing for a club like that, you expect to win something somewhere down the line.”
Newton believes a regular turnover of players during a major period of upheaval on and off the pitch at Odsal is the main reason behind a lack of silverware.
He feels all clubs need to follow the likes of St Helens to achieve glory.
“When you look at St Helens, they’re the best team over the last few years and you don’t see their personnel changing as often as other clubs,” he said.
“I think you have to have stability and players there for a number of seasons so you can learn how to play with each other.
“Saints have had that. They’ve never shipped many players out or brought loads in and that’s where other clubs let themselves down.
“I don’t think they show trust in a lot of players and sometimes think it’s easier to go and buy new players rather than work with the ones they have.”
The chances of the Bulls ending their barren run are slim this year with them languishing down in 12th spot.
But Newton maintained: “I’ve a lot of respect for Steve McNamara. He’s a great coach with some great ideas.
“As a team, we’ve been a bit low on confidence but, if we can string a few wins together, who knows, we could kick on and get into the play-offs.
“Once in there, it’s a whole new competition. We’ve just got to concentrate on getting there.”
Newton has been ever-present this term – a proud record – and feels fit and ready for the fight ahead.
The Bulls venture to Hull KR on Sunday needing victory more so than at any point this season.
“It’s never easy going to any Hull side and it’s going to be a massive test for us to come away with a win,” admitted the former Leeds Rhino.
“But we’ve trained well and there’s no reason why we can’t go over there and get it. They’ve had a bit of a patch themselves, as we have, and we just need to turn up and show the right attitude.”
Bulls chairman Peter Hood paid tribute to Newton and said: “Terry has given four years’ outstanding service to Bradford Bulls and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club. “We were prepared to consider a one-year contract extension but Terry wanted the security that a two-year deal would offer him. “On behalf of the club I would like to express my thanks for his contribution to the Bulls and wish him every success for the future.”
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