BRADFORD Bulls have announced that all-action back-rower Brad England has penned a new one-year deal with the club.

The 28-year-old arrived at Odsal prior to the start of the 2021 season and became a firm fans’ favourite, with a series of robust displays winning him the ASN Doors Hitman of the Year award.

England has been a consistent name on Mark Dunning’s teamsheet in recent weeks and has impressed despite a disrupted year to date.

The former Doncaster back rower has spoken of his determination to repay Dunning’s faith – insisting he feels ‘at home’ in the red, amber and black.

England said: “I’m really pleased to be staying.

“It has been a disappointing up and down year with injuries so I am just glad Mark has shown faith in me to go again and I know I will be working hard to be better next year.

“I haven’t had a full pre-season since I have been here, and missed all of this year’s, and when you get back in it’s hard.

“I came straight back in against Dewsbury and there isn’t much time to work on fitness when you do that, which makes it harder.

“So I am just looking forward to getting a full pre-season under the belt next time around.”

England added: “Mark is the type of bloke you want to play well for, he will get the best out of his players and get the best out of me with a full pre-season, so it gives me confidence that he wanted me to stay.

“It does feel like home here. I love the fans and I love the people around the place. I am really enjoying my time here.

“We have underachieved this year, but next season, with the players we are keeping and looking to bring in, we can make more of a statement and push for the play-offs and a top-four finish.”

Bulls head coach Dunning believes a full pre-season for the back-rower will result in Bradford fans seeing the best of ‘Beefy’ in 2023.

He said: “I am really happy.

“Beefy has been here a few years and he’s a part of the group – he had a particularly good season last year, where he picked up some awards, but he has had a tough year this time around due to some niggling injuries.

“But I am a big believer in the ability of Brad England and the contribution he can make to the group.

“He is getting back to somewhere near the physical shape he needs to be in but unfortunately, it is at the wrong time of the season for him.

“Hopefully he goes into pre-season healthy and if he can do that and stay fit, he will reap the rewards and we will see the best of Brad England.

“Brad is fully committed and I had a real good chat with him, he knows my expectations and I know his so I am really looking forward to working with a healthy Brad England.

“The key to the recruitment is that we get the right people for the right cause and, if we can do that, it will be a better year in 2023.”