The Bulls have handed a Super League lifeline to controversial former Great Britain star Gareth Raynor.

Currently serving a 15-month prison sentence, the 32-year-old winger will attempt to rekindle his career at Odsal after signing a one-year deal.

Jailed in May this year for his part in an internet ink cartridge scam, Raynor is due for release on December 31 but could be released on temporary licence as early as October 4 for the start of Bradford’s pre-season preparations.

The arrangement would see the former Hull FC man granted day release to fulfil training commitments ahead of the 2011 campaign and chairman Peter Hood is confident he can make an impact for the new-look Bulls.

He said: “Gareth is an international wing who will add significant extra fire-power to the Bulls outside backs division next season.

“The regime that Gareth’s been living during his sentence has enabled him to maintain his core strength and fitness and his appetite for the game remains undiminished.

“We will be working to ensure that Gareth’s rehabilitation is swift and complete and that, as a Bradford Bull, he will soon put himself in contention to reclaim his England jersey.”

Appearing at Hull Crown Court in May, Raynor was sentenced to a nine-month sentence after pleading guilty to 14 counts of counterfeiting and one count of fraud, plus a further six months for breaching a suspended sentence received in July 2008 for assault.

Prior to his imprisonment, the Leeds-born star had started the campaign at Crusaders, scoring four tries in seven Super League appearances, and he is confident he can make a similar impact on his return to the game.

He said: “I’m very grateful to Bradford Bulls for the opportunity to get back playing Super League.

“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and start repaying the club’s faith in me in the best way I can, by scoring tries.”

Raynor started his professional career in rugby union, joining hometown club Leeds Tykes before switching codes in 2000 to join sister club Leeds Rhinos.

With opportunities limited at Headingley he joined Hull the following season, scoring 92 tries in 158 appearances for the Airlie Birds before being released to join Crusaders in December last year.

Raynor also won six caps for Great Britain and scored the winning try in their 2006 Tri-Nations victory over Australia in Sydney.