Gale to push for England place after being named Bulls vice-captain

Bradford have today announced the appointment of half-back Luke Gale as vice-captain ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Gale, 25, joined the Bulls prior to the start of the 2012 Super League season and he is relishing the opportunity put before him by head coach Francis Cummins.

“It is a huge honour for me and a privilege to help lead the team,” said the former Harlequins, Leeds and Doncaster man.

“I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am more than ready for the challenge ahead. I hope to embrace the added responsibility as I believe the more pressure, the better.

“Francis is building for the future and he has made me a big part of that so I have to repay the faith he has shown.”

Talking of the future, Gale harbours the ambition to represent England and he feels that he is in the right shape to stake a claim in 2014.

“I am itching to get back out there on the field,” he said.

“It is my first full pre-season in two years, thanks to a pair of ankle operations, but I feel amazing now. I am in the best shape of my career, I am quicker and fitter and I feel like a brand-new player.

“I am still quite young and there are not many other young English half-backs out there at the moment. I want to push myself into contention to appear for England and to do that I need to have a massive year for Bradford.”