Bradford Bulls' longest serving player Brian McDermott has pledged his future to the Odsal club for another two years.

And coach Matthew Elliott says the hard-working prop's best years are still ahead after an intensive period of weight training which he believes will make him an even more powerful force in Super League V.

"Brian is looking bigger and stronger than ever and he will be going into the new season in his best ever shape," said Elliott.

"He has been a key figure in recent years and at a time when we are bringing a lot of talented youngsters through his contribution is even more important.

"He doesn't win a lot of praise for what he does because it is an unglamorous role but the coaching staff and those who play alongside him certainly recognise his worth.

"His workrate is phenomenal and if you look at the stats he is one of the most consistent props in the British game.

"This is great news for us. Brian is 29 and I believe his next two years with us can be his best."

McDermott signed for the club from Wakefield amateur outfit Eastmoor in 1992 and has been a regular in the side since establishing himself during the 1994-95 season.

In all he has played over 150 games for the club and won selection for the Great Britain tour to New Zealand in 1996 as well as facing Australia in all three Tests on home soil the following year.

New Aussie back recruit Justin Brooker was due to arrive in England today and will join his new colleagues in training for the first time later in the week.

The 22-year-old centre was top scorer with 11 tries in a struggling Wests' side last season and Elliott is looking forward to developing another young talent following the success of Michael Withers last season.

Brooker is expected to make his debut along with fellow Aussie Hudson Smith in the Tetley Bitter Challenge against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile the Bulls have produced a video highlights package of the 1999 season. It includes match-by-match analysis with assistant coach Brian Noble and tributes to the retiring Danny Peacock and is priced £15.99. It is available from all Bulls outlets.

The all-conquering Australian Schoolboys side are in action against BARLA Yorkshire County at the South Leeds Stadium tomorrow night (7.00pm).

Clayton are well represented with stand-off Adam Mitchell and forwards Craig Pickthorpe, Chris Parkinson and Daniel Robinson all included in the starting side.

West Bowling's Mark Dunning, and Steve Mortimer of Keighley Cougars are also named while Gareth Hobson of Queensbury is on the bench.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.