Bradford Bulls have confirmed the signing of local hero John Bateman - and coach Kurt Haggerty says he’s the type of player they’ll need in their side against Leeds Rhinos next year.

The 32-year-old second-rower has penned a two-year contract which includes an option in the club’s favour for a third campaign. Currently with North Queensland Cowboys in the southern hemisphere NRL, Bareman played for England in last year’s Ashes series against Australia and Haggerty described his signing as “a statement of intent”.

He said: “It’s a signing that is going to make everyone stand up and look at what we are doing. John epitomises the strapline we have, ‘the Scrappers’ and I know when we go to Headingley next year you want people like John Bateman in your side. It’s a really big signing for the club.”

Bateman came through Bulls’ academy system and made his debut for them, aged 17, in 2011. He spent three years with his home city club before moving to Wigan Warriors where he won two Super League titles and a World Club Challenge.

John Bateman in England colours during last year's Ashes Test series against Australia. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

placeholder image — John Bateman in England colours during last year's Ashes Test series against Australia. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

Leeds Rhinos news: latest accounts show increased loss as turnover rises

He had a spell in Australia with Canberra Raiders and returned to Wigan in 2022 before stints back Down Under with Wests Tigers and North Queensland. He has also played 31 times at international level for England and Great Britain.

Bateman described returning to Bulls as “pretty surreal”. He said: “This is something I’ve wanted to do in my career, but in the back of my mind I didn’t think I would get the chance.

“When Bradford got promoted back to Super League, coming back was something I wanted to make happen. Having spoken to Jason [Hirst, Bulls’ chief executive] and Kurt over the last few months, it made the decision a lot easier and now to have got it over the line in the last couple of days is a great feeling.

“I am excited to be a part of the project that Kurt and Jason are building. I am looking to give as much as I can to the club and the city. I am a Bradford lad and this city means more to me than anything.”

Of his ambitions for Bulls, Bateman added: “I am looking to give some of my experience and knowledge to the younger players and work together with the more senior blokes. Emotion aside, first and foremost I am a winner and that’s why I’ve come back.

“I want to win games, I want us to finish in the top-six and play big games. My aim is to put my best foot forward for the team and play my best rugby.”