Bulls sign Brad Meyers

Britain?s most successful Rugby club, Bradford Bulls, have announced the signing of Brisbane Broncos outstanding second row forward Bradley Meyers.

Meyers, 24, who has signed a three year contract at Odsal, is a Queensland State of Origin player who has also represented Australia. In 2001 he made four Test appearances for his Country.

Bulls Coach Brian Noble said he was delighted to have secured the services of a world class back row forward.

?Brad will be a tremendous addition to our squad and I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of a young player of his class who still has a lot to prove. Brad is a superb player and is what the Australians call ?a good citizen.? The fact that he has been at what is probably Australia?s finest club side, Brisbane Broncos, will stand him in good stead when he arrives at Odsal. I?d like to thank Brisbane Broncos and especially Wayne Bennett for allowing Brad to come to Bradford for the next three years.?

Brad Meyers is looking forward to joining the Bulls:

?I am excited about joining the legendary Bradford Bulls, being coached by Brian Noble and playing with his elite squad of players. My decision to join Bradford Bulls was based on seizing a unique opportunity right now, an opportunity that quite possible wouldn?t have presented itself in future years. I am enthusiastically looking forward to playing before the Bradford Bulls fans and experiencing life in a different culture has great appeal to me. I thank Coach Wayne Bennett and the Brisbane Broncos for supporting my desire for a change to my career plan.?

Broncos? Coach Wayne Bennett, who brought Meyers through the system at the Broncos from Under 17?s to Australian representation, said the big backrower faced a challenge he believed he could conquer:

?I think Brad?s style of play is really suited to the English game and I am sure he will make the best of the challenge that lies ahead of him,? said Bennett

Broncos? Managing Director, Bruno Cullen, said the club was disappointed to be losing Brad but wished him well in his new venture overseas. He said the Broncos were willing to release Meyers from the remaining years of his contract, to give him the opportunity to stamp himself on the game again in a new environment:

?It?s a credit to Brad that he is prepared to make such a big decision and it shows a lot of character?, Mr Cullen said

?He has had difficulty securing a permanent starting spot with the Broncos for the past two seasons and has obviously assessed that his future might lie somewhere else. Having said that, it would have been easy for Brad to stay here and continue to plug away, knowing that he still has three years to run on his current deal. Let?s not forget Brad is a former Origin and Test Player with over 100 First Grade appearances with the Broncos, so he obviously has plenty of ability. We trust a change of environment is just what he needs to rejuvenate his career.?

Bulls Chairman, Chris Caisley, said:

?This is tremendous news for the Club and our supporters can look forward to further signings prior to the start of the 2005 season as we look to add more depth to what is already an outstanding squad of players. Everyone I have spoken to about Bradley holds him in very high regard both as a player and as a good person to have around. I am sure he will fit in very well at the Bulls."