Bradford make Steve Crossley captain for 2019

Prop forward Steve Crossley has been named as captain of his hometown club ahead of the new season.

Crossley is now in his third stint at Bradford, having started his career there in 2010. He then returned in 2015 before heading to Toronto for a season in 2017 and rejoining the Bulls the year after.

Head coach John Kear said: “Steve [Crossley] leads through deed, he really rolls his sleeves up and leads through action. He took over from Lee Smith last year and I see no reason why to change it. I thought he was superb in 2018 and I think he will do a great job for us again in 2019.”

His vice captain will be 22-year-old Elliot Minchella, who impressed Kear last season scoring 33 tries in 29 games. When asked about the decision to select Minchella, the head coach added: “He was tremendous last year; his performances were consistently good.

“He’s another local lad who loves playing for Bradford, who has grown as a leader throughout last season. I think it’s only right that Bradford lads lead the Bradford team and that’s what’s happening.”

Both players will feature in the Yorkshire cup Final against Batley on Sunday.