THE brother of a former Bradford Bulls player who has been missing for over five months is appealing for funds so a private investigator can be hired.

Bryn Hargreaves was last seen residing in the Cheat Lake area of Morgantown in West Virginia, USA, on January 3.

The 36-year-old is described as being 6 foot 2 ins tall and 220lbs, with a tattoo of his family crest on his right arm.

A decade ago, Hargreaves left the UK and rugby league to experience life out in the States.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bryn Hargreaves in action for Bradford Bulls in 2012Bryn Hargreaves in action for Bradford Bulls in 2012

However, due to some unfortunate life events and the isolation caused by Covid, the ex Wigan and St Helens prop suffered from mental health issues.

Sibling Gareth Hargreaves is hoping to raise £20,000 to fund an investigator to look into his sibling's disappearance.

He and his family have become frustrated with the lack of leads and progress coming from the authorities overseas.

On a gofundme page, which has already raised £520 at the time of writing, he said: "We appreciate all the hard work of the local state police departments and helpful community, but unfortunately, after five months, there have been no leads or progress.

"My mum and brother flew out to the USA on January 28 for seven weeks, thanks to the support of Rugby League Cares, for which we will be eternally grateful.

"Despite gathering further information and investigating many avenues, there are still no leads or progress.

"We are no closer to finding Bryn after five months and fear for his welfare.

"We would now like to appoint a private investigator, following legal advice from a former assistant district attorney in the USA.

"For this, we need your help. We hope friends, work colleagues, well-wishers and the rugby league community will support us in our quest to find my brother and bring him home."

A product of Wigan's academy, Hargreaves played 54 league games for the Bulls between 2011 and 2012, scoring one try.

He called time early on his rugby league career aged just 26 and emigrated to America, telling the Telegraph & Argus at the time in 2012 that he had grown disillusioned with the game and in particular Bradford's financial problems at the time.

All monies donated will principally be used to fund the investigation into Hargreaves' disappearance.

The fund balance may be used in repatriation if the worst is found.

Any remaining monies will be donated to Rugby League Cares.