Sykes in Wakefield switch

Paul Sykes has left Bradford to join Super League rivals Wakefield on loan for the rest of the season.

Sykes, 30, becomes the first player to depart Odsal since the club’s financial woes were revealed earlier this week, and the Bulls will not be able to recall the former England and Great Britain man.

He said: “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been limited at Bradford and not been able to get many games so hopefully I can get a few games at Wakefield and help them climb the ladder.

“I was a little bit limited last year too and I’ve only played twice this season so I just want to get playing and enjoying it again.

“There’s a lot of new players here but they seem to be starting to gel together and have had a couple of good wins.  Hopefully I can help add to that.”

Sykes began his professional career with Bradford in 1999, making his debut against Wakefield, before making more than 100 appearances for London Broncos.

He returned to Bradford in 2008, going on to rack up a century of appearances with the Bulls.

Wakefield head coach Richard Agar said: “Paul’s not featured as much as he would have liked at Bradford and for us we think it’s an opportunity to bring in a player that will be a value to the squad.

“He’s a front line goal kicker and fills a number of positions, in positions that we’ve not got enormous depth in at the moment so we think he’ll be a really good addition the squad.”

Sykes will be available to play for the Wildcats in their Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Leeds.