JOE Keyes cannot wait to get started after re-signing for the Bulls on a two-year contract.

Keyes has been a stand-out performer for Bradford this season, leading the team around the field with some inspirational displays.

The Ireland international, who was out of contract at the end of the year, appeared 20 times during the 2017 campaign and scored three tries.

Keyes said: "It means a lot to be here. I came up here a year and a half ago and it's been a rollercoaster filled with ups and downs. But I've met some great people and I wouldn't change a thing.

"I was unsure with my performances sometimes this year and wasn't sure if they would want to keep me on. But I hit some form in the back end of this season, so hopefully I can carry that on into next year and try and get this club back to where it belongs.

"This club is filled with great people – the fans, the staff and everyone in the team. It is a good place to be around, even though it hasn't been a smooth ride. I just can't wait for the new season already. This place has a lot to offer."

Keyes has been influential in the centre of the park for the Bulls of late, orchestrating play to help set up the majority of tries scored in the Championship Shield campaign.

The former London Broncos player is the second half-back signing of the week, following Dane Chisholm's pledge to two more years in the red, amber and black.

The duo have not been able to link up in the halves during the 2017 season, with Chisholm having played just one match before picking up a long-term knee injury.

Now, with their new commitments to the relegated club, Keyes is eager to connect with his Aussie counterpart in 2018.

He said: "Dane and I get on really well together off the field. We played a little together at the end of last season and that was really good, so I can't wait to get back out there with him.

"Dane offers a lot to the team. He's a great player and a real leader. Everyone knows what he is capable of, so a solid pre-season between us will really help the cause.

"We want to build a winning culture next year now that we have the opportunity to have a real pre-season. We want to have a good year all round and begin to get back on top – then take it from there.

"It's going to be tough and we will come up against some challenges. We won't take anyone lightly, we will prepare like we are going into a Super League game and make sure that we get the job done."