The Wayne Rooney of rugby league has joined Bradford Bulls.

Courted by Super League and Zurich Premiership clubs alike, Matthew Cook is being hailed as one of the hottest young properties in the sport.

Cook, who has represented England Schools at both rugby league and rugby union, has signed a three-year contract with the Bulls, it was announced today.

He has already been involved this season with the England rugby union under-19 squad and has just returned from their training camp in South Africa.

The youngster has also played for Saracens and East Midlands and was in the Saracens side that played in last season's Middlesex Sevens competition - won in dramatic fashion by the Bulls.

Cook, just 16 years of age and from Buckinghamshire, is highly rated in both codes of rugby and the Bulls have fought off stiff competition to secure his signature.

And Brian Noble is delighted with his new signing: "Matthew is a very talented player and I am really looking forward to working with him in our junior set-up here at Odsal.

"We believe he has a big future in the game and we feel we have taken a player from rugby union who will be a big player in rugby league.

"Bulls fans should be very excited that we have captured a player of his calibre and with so much talent."

Cook is delighted he has been given the chance to to fulfil his ambitions by joining the Challenge Cup winners.

"I have always wanted to play rugby league and I am absolutely delighted to be joining Bradford Bulls," said Cook.

"I have been very happy with my career so far in rugby union but I am very pleased

to have signed for what I believe is the best club in the country."