A BRADFORD Bulls star says he is really excited to expand his off the field business - a gym.

Jordan Lilley, 24, has teamed up with his dad Mark for their Lilley's Fitness business, which is moving to a new facility in Bradford - twice the size of their current site.

The Bulls stand-off says he is driven to take the family firm to the next level as he looks to build on their initial success over the last couple of years.

Work is ongoing at the new 4,000 sq ft gym as it gets kitted out, scheduled for an opening at the end of November or start of December. It will feature a psychotherapy room, kitchen, chillout area and male and female changing facilities.

It is a move down the road to their new facility as they currently run a gym on Barnard Road with a number of classes, which is only half the size of the new site.

Jordan, who runs fitness classes himself, said: "It's a bigger step for us.

"We have now outgrown what we have and need something bigger.

"We have doubled up the space we have and the aim is to use it as a full-time gym. We are only running a class-based business at the moment.

"We are taking a bit of a punt. We are trying to get yoga and palates classes in there.

"The new gym is at the shell stage at the moment. We have taken down a wall and we have a lot of work to do before we open.

"Since I was growing up I have always wanted to own my own gym.

The gym I want to create is everything that comes with it. I want people to look forward to coming to the gym. A place where people can come with their mates

"I want to create an environment that is not too scientific. I want to keep everything fun. Something different for people.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jordan Lilley, centre, for Bradford Bulls earlier this season before the pandemic brought an end to their action for 2020Jordan Lilley, centre, for Bradford Bulls earlier this season before the pandemic brought an end to their action for 2020 (Image: Tom Pearson.)

"I am trying to keep people interested and engaged.

"I'm creating a family feel where everyone is welcome.

"We need to get it all done. We are aiming to be open at the end of November/start of December. We are just fitting it out.

"The new building used to be a call centre on two floors."

Meanwhile, Jordan says the time was right for him to expand his gym business despite the threat of possible further restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis.

This is after starting his business with outdoor boot camps more than two years ago.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The site of Jordan Lilley's new 4,000 sq ft gym in BD4The site of Jordan Lilley's new 4,000 sq ft gym in BD4

He said: "People might think I'm daft for opening a gym at this time, but life has to keep moving. The opportunity has come to open this space.

"For me, I wanted to take the next step and push the business even further.

"I started in a park with no equipment and built it to having my own unit. For me I am really proud of what I have done. But I don't rest on what I have done.

"I want to make my family proud of me and build something."

Meanwhile, Jordan says he is also enjoying pre-season training with his Bulls team-mates, despite physical sessions with the squad being restricted due to the pandemic.

The former Leeds Rhinos ace has played 43 times for Bulls, scoring nine tries and hopes to be back in action for John Kear's side next season after the pandemic wiped out the majority of the 2020 Betfred Championship campaign.

He added: "We have only done one training session together this week.

"It has been good to get back in and training. It was good to the lads. Everyone has nailed the fitness tests."

Anyone who is a qualified personal trainer, physiotherapist or masseur who is interested in holding classes at Jordan's new gym is urged to call him on 07754 054120.