Rugby

Player Profile

This is Paul’s second spell with the Bulls for whom he made his debut against Wakefield Trinity in 1999, joining from Thornhill ARLFC. Paul joined the then London Broncos in August 2002 and soon settled to life in the Capital, gaining representative honours for England 'A' against New Zealand in October, followed by a place on the successful 'A' team tour to Fiji and Tonga. Paul has made several further appearances for England and in 2008 he made his Gt. Britain debut against France. Originally a full-back, Paul successfully converted during 2005 to the centre position where his powerful running and strong tackling were seen to their best advantage.  Was in and out of the Bulls team last season and spent time on the Wing as well as at Half Back, Full Back and Centre as injuries tested the Squad’s durability.

Paul Jeffrey Sykes was on born 11th August 1981 in Dewsbury and initially signed for the Bulls as a Junior.  Paul came through Bradford Bulls Academy but, with opportunities at Odsal limited, he initially went on loan to London Broncos before making the move permanent in 2002.  He also played one game for Wakefield Rigby Union, which had a short lived merger with the Bulls

Paul soon settled in the Capital and representative honours were gained with an appearance for England "A" against New Zealand in October, followed by a place on the successful "A" team tour to Fiji and Tonga.

Paul originally joined London as a full-back, but he played most of his football for London in the Centre where his powerful running and strong tackling are seen to their best advantage.

He had a bad injury in February 2006 when he damaged his kidneys but astounded everyone by making a comeback in August, ironically against Bulls, after initially being ruled out for the season.

2005 was his best season in London.  On 27 February against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Paul kicked 12 goals from 12 attempts to break a 17 year old London club record. Further records for most goals and most points followed at the seasons end and in recognition of these achievements Paul was voted Supporters Player of the Year for 2005.

Wanting a move back to the north - his partner had just given birth to their first child - Paul asked to leave the then named Harlequins and he rejoined the Bulls, who paid a fee for his services.

On rejoining the Bulls he said

"A lot's changed at Bradford since the first time around and I think there's only Paul Deacon and Jamie Langley still there. But I'm ready for a fresh challenge and I'm hoping to move back north to win some silverware. Bulls are always challenging and I'm glad I'm going to be a part of that. Also, my girlfriend has just given birth to our first child as well and we want to be closer to our family."

In 2007 he made his Gt. Britain debut against France at Headingley and was called into Tony Smith's England Squad for the World Cup in Australia after an impressive first season back at the Bulls. He recently signed a new three year contract with the Bulls and was in Steve McNamara's Train On Squad for last season's Four Nations.

Bulls Career details to end of 2010 Season:

Apps 103, Sub 4, Tries 38, Goals 73,  DG 2,  Points 300

Paul is proudly sponsored by Hudson Foster Financial Solutions & Risk Management