Bradford hand trial to Saints youngster

Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of prop forward Jamie Pye from St Helens on a three-month trial.

The 19-year-old came through the ranks at local side Thatto Heath Crusaders. He was also part of the Saints academy side that reached the Grand Final in 2019.

In 2020, Pye was selected for the England National Academy squad. They were due to tour Australia and New Zealand, but it was called off due to the pandemic.

He has signed on trial terms, with the view to getting a permanent move.

Speaking to the club website, Bradford Head Coach John Kear said:”He is a big kid, his last season was ruined by injury and of course the Covid factor as well so it has been a couple of years where he hasn’t donned boots in anger.

“Before that he played for Lancashire Academy as well as St Helens. He has been in some good environments and when he played for Lancashire he played against Tom Holroyd who is now playing regularly at Leeds.

“He put a marker down against him and was equally as good so based upon that we have brought him in, we will have a good look at him in pre season, we will trial him in some of the games and he has reserves games too where he can endeavour to earn a contract.”

New face number 10 at Bradford

Bradford will be aiming to build on last season’s fifth place finish in 2022. Pye is the 10th player to sign for the Bulls ahead of the new season.

He will join the likes of Dec Patton, Samy Kibula and Kieran Gill ahead of the new year.

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