BRADFORD Bulls have secured the short-term future of another one of their exciting crop of youngsters, after second rower Brad Gallagher signed a deal to stay with the club until the end of 2022.

Gallagher rose to prominence earlier in the year. He made his debut in Bulls’ 1895 Cup defeat to Barrow Raiders last June, but that was his only first-team appearance in 2019.

But he was an ever-present in 2020 until the regular campaign was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic. He also featured in all four senior pre-season games against Castleford, Leeds, Dewsbury and York.

And he had hit real form, with his first ever senior tries coming in the form of a brace against Sheffield Eagles on March 8, Bulls’ last league match.

Gallagher, who joins fellow youngsters Joe Brown, Brandon Pickersgill and Sam Hallas in signing new deals over the past month, said: “I am buzzing to have signed a new deal – signing for two years along with John (Kear), he was a massive influence on my decision.

“Being 20 years of age, I could not ask for a better coach, and playing alongside the likes of Anthony England and Danny Brough, it was the best possible environment for me.

“I sat down the last time I signed a deal and I was probably fifth choice back rower, so to play against the likes of Castleford and Leeds in pre-season, I could not have asked for a better start.

“The start we had and where the season stopped gives us more of a reason to be training harder and working harder and we are all itching to get back – I want to keep my shirt.

“One of the most satisfying things about breaking into the side this year is doing it alongside the likes of Doyley (Thomas Doyle) and Ebon (Scurr). We have pushed each other to get to where we want to be.

“There are big things coming and we are not going to settle for anything less than the very top.”

Bulls’ head coach Kear was equally enthusiastic about Gallagher penning a new deal with the club, saying: “I am absolutely delighted – he is a really important signing for us as a club and one of the youngsters who has emerged from the Academy into an established first team player.

“He will become a very accomplished edge back rower, I have no doubt, and I am even happier he has committed for two years, where we can help him develop further.

“He fits the profile of what we are trying to achieve, to get into Super League with some experienced players and some quality young men we are recruiting and retaining.

“We see the likes of Brad developing into that standard – he has been exceptional since coming into the first team set up.

“He was given an opportunity and he has taken it – it is incredibly rewarding for the club and the Academy because he does not look out of place and that is credit to all involved.

“I just cannot wait to get back training and playing – I can assure the fans the players will be really well prepared and highly motivated.”

Meanwhile, Bulls will be contacting season ticket holders regarding their 2020 entitlement this evening.

The club also confirmed that further updates and announcements regarding the 2021 campaign would be communicated in the coming weeks.