JAMES Donaldson admits he could have a tear in his eye after running out at Odsal as a Bulls player for the last time tomorrow.

The Cumbrian back-rower is among several players heading for pastures news as he prepares to take up a two-year deal at Hull KR.

The 22-year-old says the Bulls will always have a place in his heart after a rollercoaster six-year spell which has included plenty of highs and lows.

Donaldson moved to Bradford as a 16-year-old from his native Whitehaven and has battled back from two career-threatening knee injuries to cement a regular spot at Odsal.

He said: “It’ll be an emotional one on Sunday. There have been a lot of lows but playing with the lads I’ve played alongside has been a real high.

“The friendships I’ve made here, I don’t think I’ll get that relationship with any other lads ever again.

“That’s probably been the highlight for me – playing with all my best mates every week because you can’t go wrong when you’re doing that.

“It definitely makes it more special when you’re all the same age, have come through the academy and go on to play in the first-team together.”

Donaldson was much sought-after as a junior and trained with Wigan before opting for the Bulls after Steve McNamara made a special effort to sign him.

Donaldson recalled: “I always wanted to play for Wigan and spent a week training with their first-team.

“Brian Noble was in charge at the time but after spending a week with Bradford, training with the likes of Sam Burgess and Glenn Morrison, they sold it to me. I just felt comfortable in the environment here.”

Donaldson says he found life tough at times after living away from his close-knit family in Cumbria but that it made him stand on his own two feet.

He added: “Living away from home at such a young age is not what every 16-year-old does, so I’ve had to figure life out on my own.

“I’ve had to look after myself and that’s been tough as well as breaking into the first-team.

“When things aren’t easy at home because you’re so far away from your family, it’s not easy to cope with all the injuries.

“That didn’t help whatsoever. Living at home and having to do your own washing and stuff like that, not many young kids do that any more.

“But it has been a learning curve that will help me forever.

“Even since my first injury, I just seem to have been in a fight to get back on track and up and running. It has taken me a while to get back where I am today really.”

Donaldson’s mum Pol rarely misses a Bulls game and will be there tomorrow to support him along with his girlfriend.

Donaldson said: “My mum’s a bit of a nuts Bradford Bulls fan and she doesn’t miss many games to be honest.

“My girlfriend will be there too, which will be nice because they have been with me through all the hard times and all the good times at Bradford.

“I’m sure they will be just as upset as I will be after the game.

“It will be emotional, but I’m sure everyone who is leaving will want to give the best account of themselves and leave on the best note possible.”

Donaldson paid tribute to the Bulls supporters, adding: “They have been great to me and I’ve got a pretty decent relationship with most of them.

“You get used to seeing the same faces all the time, so it will be strange not to have that any more.

“I don’t know anyone over at Hull KR, so it’s a fresh start where I can step out of my comfort zone and prove myself to them and hopefully become a better player.”