After fighting back from the brink, Stuart Reardon is not prepared to let his hard work go to waste.

The 28-year-old former Great Britain star has returned to the Bulls reinforced by a steely determination that was forged during 18 months of torment.

I’ve gone through a massive journey, after nearly losing everything

Stuart Reardon

Earlier this year, Reardon came within a whisker of losing it all.

Sidelined by a persistent Achilles problem, marginalised by former club Warrington and given a 12-week suspended jail sentence for assault, his career and livelihood were in serious threat.

Attempts to return to the pitch were thwarted when Reardon was released by Hull FC in April without playing a game for the club, due to a failed medical.

But, just eight months down the line, life couldn’t be much different.

Handed the chance for a fresh start amid familiar surroundings, Reardon has returned to fitness and employment at hometown club Bradford, where he started his professional career in 2000, winning two Super League titles and a World Club Challenge during a six-year spell.

The high point of his career so far was winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy as Grand Final man of the match in 2003 and, humbled by recent experiences, Reardon is determined to repay the Bulls’ faith in him by hitting those heights once more.

He said: “You always want to do better. I had some good times here but, for me personally, if I don’t come back better than what I was, all this time it’s taken me to get back has been a complete waste.

“I’m at an age now where I’m a senior player and I’ve got five years left at the top, if that. My aim is just to be what I was and better. I think my leg will hold out, it feels good now.

“When bad things happen it makes you realise how worthwhile it is and makes you more determined to get back playing well and to be better than I was before.

“I’ve gone through a massive journey, after nearly losing everything. I had to get back to where I am now and it seems like everything’s happened for a reason. It’s hard to think that when so many things have gone wrong but maybe things do happen for a reason.

“It’s all led to something good because I’ve come back to my hometown club, I’m fully fit and ready to play. It’s all in the past now.”

Bulls chief Steve McNamara’s decision to sign Reardon in October raised a few eyebrows among fans, considering the talented winger or full back had not played since snapping his Achilles tendon while playing for Warrington against St Helens in May 2008.

Progress was agonisingly slow as he attempted to rebuild strength and fitness, meaning long hours spent in the gym drudging through repetitive rehab work, and Reardon admits there were moments when he thought it would all be in vain.

“I met Steve a while ago, just after I’d had my op,” said Reardon. “He said they’d be interested provided I was alright because there were no guarantees after all that time.

“I was speaking to Crusaders as well until Bradford came in but as soon as they did, I knew I wanted to come here.

“I’ve stayed positive all this time, that’s what’s got me through, but obviously I’ve had days when I’ve got up and thought I might not make it. But I’ve never thought I should give up. If it’s something you want to do, you have to work for it.”

The current Bulls squad is almost unrecognisable from the one Reardon left in 2005.

Captain Paul Deacon’s departure means only Jamie Langley and Andy Lynch remain from the side that won the club’s last Super League title, although Reardon insists the camp’s work ethic and appetite for success have not changed.

He said: “It’s a young squad and it’s completely changed since I was here. Only Langley and Lynch are still here, now Deacs has gone.

“It’s a young team but with some really experienced senior players and I’m excited about the new season. Things didn’t go well last year but training’s been tough, everyone’s getting to know each other and they’re exciting times.

“When I were here, training was really tough. Everybody was in massive shape and obviously we had a lot of success.

“I always remember training being good and the training has never been as tough anywhere else I’ve been.

“Everyone was always really fit and I think that’s maybe what spurred us on to win all the games we won, through the training and the skills we had. The attitude is the same now.”