The Bulls today confirmed they have snared Nick Scruton from arch-rivals Leeds Rhinos.

The gritty prop has signed a three-year deal at Grattan Stadium starting from 2009.

Boss Steve McNamara is delighted to have pulled off the coup given the Super League champions hoped to retain their England international with a new, improved contract.

Scruton, 23, is the second new signing announced by Bradford, following on from Manly and Australian Test legend Steve Menzies.

McNamara said: “Nick has been playing in a very strong Leeds side for the last three or four years and he has gone very well.

“I’m really pleased to able to bring him to the Bulls and also the fact that he wanted to come here to Bradford as well.

“Nick’s young, English and has got a great deal of ambition, while he still has plenty of improvement in him.

“He will add a lot to our pack next year and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Scruton – out of contract at the end of the season – has been a regular in the Leeds squad this campaign.

He has made 25 appearances, mainly off the bench, with his last Super League start coming during the 30-14 success over the Bulls in May.

Hard-running and aggressive, the Morley-born front-row will bolster Bradford’s ranks given Joe Vagana’s imminent retirement.

“He is tough and fit,” said McNamara. “They are the qualities he brings, while Nick is also a very vocal player.

“He’s someone who bases his game on his sheer love and enthusiasm for the sport and is a real welcome addition.”

Scruton made his Super League debut for Leeds at Wigan at the end of 2002 but missed the entire following year through injury.

He spent 17 games on loan at Hull FC in 2004 before really breaking through with the Rhinos during the next two campaigns.

Last season was blighted by injury when the prop twice broke his hand, meaning he missed out on Leeds’ Grand Final glory.

However, Scruton returned in style this time around, featuring in the World Club Challenge success over Melbourne Storm and establishing himself as a valued member of their title-chasing side.

He scored against Bradford at Headingley just last month and has been capped four times by England.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are still hoping to capture New Zealand Test prop Fuifui Moimoi, although the player is continuing to have problems securing a release from Parramatta Eels.