BRADFORD Bulls have announced the marquee signing of former NRL star and two-time Super League Grand Finalist Bodene Thompson.

The forward joins Bulls from neighbours Leeds Rhinos on a one-year deal, after featuring in their Grand Final defeat to St Helens earlier in the year.

He made a combined total of 48 appearances for the Super League side, scoring four tries.

Bulls have once again thanked the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their support in getting this deal over the line.

Thompson will add huge experience to Mark Dunning's 2023 pack, with the forward spending time in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers.

The New Zealander has also tasted promotion from the Championship, going up with Toronto Wolfpack in 2019.

He had previously played in England with Leigh Centurions (now Leopards) and Warrington Wolves.

Thompson is the second major signing for Bulls from Leeds in the space of a week, after the recent arrival of high-profile full-back Jack Walker from Headingley.

After putting pen to paper on his one-year deal, Thompson said: "It's such a proud moment for me and my family to have my future sorted and to sign for a historic club in Bradford Bulls.

"We didn't know if we were going to stay here (in England) but after speaking with (Bulls consultant) Brian Noble and (Rhinos head coach) Rohan Smith, my mind was made up about where I wanted to go.

"I'm really excited to get going here and see what it's all about, the club has such a proud history and I'm excited to be a part of the next chapter.

"When I was in the NRL, I remember Bradford being one of the dominant forces in rugby league.

"They still get good crowds now and that attracted me to this club, as did the history and fanbase.

"I can't wait to get started and work with Mark Dunning and all of the lads and get to know them all.

"I want to help the younger lads with my experience in the game and help them to learn, to ensure that they're always backing themselves and playing without fear.

"I'm sure that I'll be bringing my experience to this squad, with me featuring in Grand Finals and the lessons I've learned in Super League.

"But I've also played in the Championship previously, so I know all about this league.

"My message to the fans would be that I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to play for such a historic club and I'll always wear my heart on my sleeve and never let them down."

Commenting on the deal, Bulls head coach Dunning said: "We're delighted to get Bodene signed up and over the line for 2023.

"We've been on the lookout for an experienced middle for some time and Bodene fits the bill. It's been a long time coming.

"A lot of hard work has gone into this signing and I want to pay credit to Brian (Noble), who has persisted on this deal and got it over the line for the club.

"Bodene will bring a vast knowhow, knowledge and ability to our squad from his time in some of the best systems in the world (both NRL and Super League) and we're looking forward to having him join up with us for next season.

"We have freshened up the squad for next season and have more of a younger group, but within that you need experience.

"Bodene brings that with his quality and leadership, and you know what you're going to get with him.

"He's a quality player and an even better individual, he will set standards with his leadership qualities and everyone will notice how he conducts himself in and around the squad.

"Bodene is a leader in actions as well as voice, so that will be beneficial to our squad and the people around him and he'll have a really positive effect on his peers."