Bradford “beat off fierce competition” to sign Super League loanee

Bradford have completed the signing of Huddersfield back-row or centre Chester Butler on a two-year deal.

Butler, 26, has spent this season on loan at Odsal, scoring four tries in 15 appearances.

The Bulls say they have beaten off fierce competition from rival clubs to land his signature.

The Wales international said: “I am buzzing – to have signed for two years gives me security and Bradford is a great club to sign for. Hopefully over the next two years we can get ourselves back to where we want to be as a club.

“It is nice to have the two years for myself personally having been out for so long with injuries. This year I just wanted to get through and play as well as I can, I knew I wasn’t going to come back all guns blazing but I have progressed, built confidence and momentum and it gives me hope after a pre-season here I can make an impact next year.

“On a personal level I am happy to have got back playing rugby and now hopefully over the next few years with Mark at the helm we can make an impact – we have loads more to offer as a team and I want to be a big part of it.

“I fit in with the fans straight away, got speaking to a few after the first game and they were all lovely and very supportive – we have a great fanbase and hopefully we can get those wins to bring some people back and push on. We have four games left at the end of this season so hopefully we can get on a winning streak.”

Bulls recruitment “going well”

Despite Bradford’s win away at York on Monday night, they are extremely unlikely to make the Championship play-offs which has been all but settled for weeks.

That means they are looking ahead to 2023.

Coach Mark Dunning added: “I am delighted, I spoke last week about some signings to be announced and Chester Butler is the first – there are 3 or 4 done and in the pipeline so recruitment is going well.

“The performances he’s dished up this year have been high quality, he is an experienced International player who brings versatility – he can play in the back row, middle and centre – he is a good bloke, he is good to have around the place which is a key part of our recruitment process.”

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