BRAD England insists fan power attracted him to make the jump to the Bulls for next season.

The Doncaster second rower has joined the club on a one-year deal as John Kear continues to mould his squad for a proper tilt at promotion.

England, who joins namesake Anthony, is excited to be stepping up a level from League One – especially when the fans are allowed back in at the Tetley’s Stadium for Bulls games again.

England said: “Bradford is a really big club with a massive fanbase and I cannot wait to get started and get stuck into training with all the lads.

“The team is going to be full of Super League talent and I cannot wait to play alongside the likes of Danny Brough and Aaron Murphy, getting involved and learning from them.

“The supporters were one of the main draws for me personally. The Bradford fans always travel in numbers and bring the noise which really excites me.”

The 25-year-old joined Doncaster ahead of the 2017 campaign after previous spells with Featherstone and Salford.

He dominated the awards as the club’s player of the year in 2018 but injuries restricted him to only a handful of appearances the following season.

England, who played alongside Levy Nzoungou at the Keepmoat, penned another one-year deal with the Dons for 2020 before the League One campaign was wiped out by the pandemic.

Now he is relishing the prospect of testing himself in the Championship arena next season.

England added: “I am ready for a step-up and a different challenge.

“I want to prove to John I have what it takes and reward his faith in me.

“The club is heading in the right direction and has big ambitions and I want to concentrate on the future and make sure I can contribute moving forward.”

Kear has kept a close eye on England’s progress since first meeting him as a junior at Castleford.

After impressing for Doncaster, the Bulls coach believes he is ready to take the next step.

Kear said: “Brad had a very good reputation at Castleford and although it did not work out for him there, he has since gone to Doncaster and been a very valuable member of their squad.

“I am delighted he has challenged himself to become an elite Championship player.

“But I have no doubt he can do that, in that edge back row position adding further competition for places.”

England follows David Foggin-Johnston as the 15th player to put pen to paper for next season as Kear assembles his squad early for when rugby can resume.

Talks have begun about the possibility of expanding the 1895 Cup to include regional group games which could start in the winter. The RFL have floated the idea of games being played on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The proposed autumn tournament for clubs below Super League was finally ditched at the weekend after only four clubs, including the Bulls, registered an interest. The RFL decided it would not be feasible to continue.

But the prospect of playing extra cup games before the next Championship campaign may appeal.