ANTHONY Walker has become the latest Bulls player to be tied down for 2022.

The front-rower has enjoyed an impressive return to the sport after four years out on medical advice due to a brain abnormality.

Having spent time on trial, Walker earned a permanent contract for 2021 and has been a key figure as John Kear’s side reached the Championship play-offs.

Walker said: “My first goal was to get a contract, then to earn another to stay here. It is good to have it sorted as it is what I wanted early on.

“I am buzzing to get it over the line and can now concentrate on the play-offs before looking forward to 2022.

“There was a point in the friendlies I felt I was further behind than I wanted which is why I missed the start of the season. But the more I have played, the better I have felt and have put in some half decent performances.

“I made no secret of how close me and John were before I came here and I am at that age where people can be honest with me – John was and I respected that, dropped some weight and feel I have been better for it since.

“I just want to keep playing for as long as I can and be one of those who gets kicked off the training field.

“Next year I want to play as much as I can, play longer minutes and see where we go from there.”

The former St Helens and Wakefield star also reserved praise for the Bulls – who have helped him and his family “feel at home”.

He added: “The big thing for me has been the support. My little boy is old enough to come watch and he can hear people singing my name.

“We live an hour away and we are sport-mad and all Sunday morning is spent watching the kids play. But they all want to come to Odsal in the afternoon to watch me as they feel at home.

Kear believes another one-year deal will keep Walker hungry and motivated.

The Bulls coach said: “He is a gregarious character with a smile on his face and he is always ready to crack a quick-witted comment.

“But more importantly he is a good rugby player too and anyone who has followed us will have seen that.

“He has come back from retirement and has worked very, very hard you have to take your hat off and admire what he has done.

“It is the old story of you never give up. He certainly hasn’t and as a result he has earned himself a contract at a top-end Championship club.”