STEVE Crossley says he can't wait for the future after signing a contract extension with the Bradford Bulls.

The Bradford-born prop, in his third spell at Odsal, has signed up until the end of the 2020 season, originally made his debut in the red, amber and black back in 2010 against Crusaders.

The 6ft 5in Bradford Academy graduate, who took over as on-field captain this season, spoke of his delight at the deal.

He said: "I’m over the moon about it, it has been a really good year for us this year. The club have rewarded me with the extra year extension and I can’t wait for the future.

"We did get to a point in the year where John pulled me in about maybe wanting to become full time but financial wise and family wise, as well as the fact I have a job working in schools, it just didn’t work for me to come in full time. But as long as I’m staying here I’m happy.

"As a Bradford lad playing for his home town club it means a lot – I used to sit on the terraces over the tunnel and come watch this team. To say that I captained the side to a promotion is fantastic.

"Since I started playing rugby and watching John as a coach, he has got so much respect in the game and I don’t think there is anyone better suited to the cub other than John Kear.

“It’s really exciting, John and the board have brought in some really good editions to the squad, certainly ones that will help us in the Championship.

“It’s going to be a tough ask, you look at some of the teams that are in the Championship this year and there are a lot more full-time teams included, so it is going to be tough, but we will more than hold our own this year and do well.

“This has always been a big rugby league town so the amount that we get here are phenomenal. The loyal fans that have stayed with us have come in their numbers, we just ask that they keep coming and join the ride we are going on.

“We have come from World Club Champions to the lowest point the club has ever been, but now we have something the celebrate and we are on our way back up.

“Like I say we were at our lowest at the back end of last year and the start of this year, so it is really good to have something good to celebrate at the this. We are on our way back up now we have really good stability.

“Since Andrew (Chalmers) has come in he has really stabilised the club, we aren’t signing players on stupid deals and we aren’t throwing money around which I’m happy to see.

"It shows that they are taking it seriously this time, we are being looked after financially so the club can build. We are bringing in players that want to play for the club."