Matt Diskin is ready to reinvigorate his career with the Bulls after completing a bold switch from Leeds Rhinos.

The 28-year-old hooker arrives at Odsal on a three-year deal in a move that seemed unthinkable for a player who has spent 13 trophy-laden years at Headingley.

A prominent figure in all four of the Rhinos’ Super League Grand Final wins, he celebrated his testimonial at the club just this year and signed a 12-month contract extension only four months ago.

But Leeds have agreed to release Diskin from the deal after the former Great Britain and England international expressed his enthusiasm for a fresh start.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind for the last four or five days,” said Diskin, who is currently recovering after a double hernia operation.

“Just Wednesday last week, I was set to stay at Leeds for another year but then Bradford showed some interest and I had a chance to reinvigorate my career.

“It’s an exciting prospect and one I can’t wait for.

“At this stage in my career, I’ve still got a lot of personal goals I want to fulfil.

“I want to play internationals again and I think a move of club is what I need to achieve that.”

Signed from Dewsbury Moor ARLFC in 1997, Diskin made his Leeds debut against Castleford in 2001 and went on to become one of the Rhinos’ most prominent and influential figures of the Super League era.

Starting in each of Leeds’ four Grand Final triumphs, he even claimed the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in the 2004 Old Trafford showpiece.

But, having been a starter virtually all his career, Diskin was forced to spend more time on the bench last season - a move made to accommodate former Aussie Test star Danny Buderus.

A more prominent role should await at the Bulls, with chairman Peter Hood admitting the chance to sign Diskin was one that could not be refused.

“This is a signing that really emerged in a matter of a few days and he is a quality addition,” said Hood.

“We are always interested in quality players and when a player of Matt’s pedigree unexpectedly becomes available, of course we’re interested.

“He’s been there and done it and done it in his own particular style as well – one which compliments our other two hookers.”

Hood refused to be drawn on suggestions Diskin’s arrival could put the position of either Heath L’Estrange or Wayne Godwin at risk.

The pair shared hooking duties between them last season, with L’Estrange established as starting No 9, but both can also play at scrum half, while Godwin has spent time in the back row.

Hood added: “Matt adds considerable depth and strength in the squad. We’ve got three hookers at the club now, and three must be better than two.”