Chev Walker has signed a new one-year contract and vowed to continue setting an example to the Bulls’ younger players on and off the field.

The former Leeds and Great Britain star, who has operated effectively in the front and back row this season, will stay at the club until the end of 2014 and also has the option for another year after that.

After his best pre-season for years, Walker enjoyed a blistering start to the current campaign as Francis Cummins’ men won four of their opening seven games.

Although he has since been dogged by a number of minor injuries – he underwent a routine knee clear-out last week which could keep him out of Sunday’s home clash with Widnes – Walker is looking forward to playing his part in the Bulls’ play-off push.

The 30-year-old, who joined Bradford ahead of the 2011 campaign from Hull KR, said: “Franny has shown faith in me and I’m more than willing to extend my time here.

“Like I’ve said before, I feel at home at Bradford and am really enjoying my rugby.

“I started off really well this year but then, just after Easter, I started to get a few niggles.

“I’ve just had a clear-out of my knee but that’s fixed so now it’s time to crack on and find a bit of form again.

“This weekend’s game might be a bit too soon because I only had it done last Thursday. It’s a matter of getting the swelling down and going from there, but it’s already feeling a lot better.”

Walker believes his influence on Cummins’ younger players can continue to prove important.

“I just try to set an example and live a good lifestyle,” said Walker, who made his debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old in August 1999.

“I’ve not had a drink this year – my last drink was at my wedding at the end of last year.

“All season I’m going to go dry and I’ve improved my diet too. Not that my diet was ever bad but I want to set an example to the young lads.

“Franny is trying to change the culture of the club and I’ve bought into it.”

Cummins, who played with and coached Walker during their time together at Leeds, said: “Chev is an outstanding professional and his experience is immense.

“He’s in the twilight of his career but he lives his life really well with his diet and general lifestyle.

“He’s passing that on to his team-mates because he’s not prepared to let other people make mistakes, which is a huge thing.

“During pre-season, he just missed out on his personal best for a 40-metre sprint, which he got when he was flying as a young kid.

“He’s done really well and is evolving into a middle man while trying to learn his trade again.

“The best game he had was that first half at Hull KR recently when he outplayed Mickey Paea and Con Mika.

“He was the best front-rower on the field and the other fellas didn’t come near him.”

Bulls owner Omar Khan said: “I’m really happy that Chev has signed a new contract with us. “He has been playing really well this season. He is a very important member of Francis’ side. He is another part of our ongoing recruitment for next season and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls are also set to confirm the signing of Warrington and England prop Garreth Carvell on a two-year deal.

An official announcement confirming that Keith Lulia is to head home to Australia at the end of the season is also due imminently.

Cummins has offered Michael Platt a new deal for next year and negotiations are continuing with the agents of James Donaldson and Jamie Langley.

Danny Addy’s contract expires at the end of the year and the player is understood to have rejected the offer put to him.

Cummins is also keen to sign on-loan Warrington duo Matty Blythe and Ben Evans on a permanent basis.