FORMER Man of Steel Danny Brough will bring a “hard-nosed desire” to the Bulls next season.

The capture of Brough on a two-year deal from the start of 2021 is a real sign of the club’s intent according to John Kear.

The Bulls coach is backing Brough, who played under his twice before at Hull FC and Wakefield, to add a ruthless edge to what remains a predominantly young squad.

Kear is in the process of discussing deals for next year with the current players.

And he believes the imminent arrival of someone of Brough’s experience and stature has underlined the Bulls’ ambitions.

Kear said: “It is a key signing and it shows the true ambition of the club.

“Our priority is to keep our essential players but when you have absolute quality coming available you have to pursue it. We did and we are delighted Danny has signed.”

As previously revealed in the Telegraph & Argus, the half-back has taken a significant wage cut to drop down from playing Super League with Wakefield.

Brough, 37, has played in the top tier for 16 years and was named Man of Steel in 2013 as part of the Huddersfield Giants’ league-leaders winning squad. He lifted the Challenge Cup with Kear at Hull in 2005.

Kear, who recently penned a new two-year deal for less money himself, added: “We are operating on a tight budget but Danny has agreed to come because he likes the challenge ahead of him and because we have a great relationship.

“After the signings we made this year, there is a gradual assimilation of talent in our ranks and the fans should take great heart from his signing and eagerly anticipate him pulling on the red, amber and black.”

Scotland international Brough is currently the sixth highest points scorer in the history of the domestic game since starting at Dewsbury in 2002.

Now he will be returning to the Tetley’s Stadium next year to make the Bulls his seventh club – where his kicking game is sure to be a vital asset on the tight pitch at their temporary home.

Kear said: “What I want Danny to bring is the element of composure through his experience and he is a very tough competitor and I want that ruthless competitive edge in our squad.

“He will help the younger players realise Super League isn’t a distant dream but a hard-nosed desire. He is without doubt a huge talent.”