HOOLEY PENS PERMANENT DEAL

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Luke Hooley on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old came through the junior ranks at the Bulls, signing his first professional contract with the club before joining Wakefield in 2017.

A permanent stay at Batley Bulldogs followed where three years of impressive performances saw him earn a move to Super League giants Leeds Rhinos in 2023.

Hooley then made the move across West Yorkshire to Castleford Tigers – from whom he joined Brian Noble’s side on loan in March.

Since making his Bulls’ debut against Salford Red Devils, the full-back has played a pivotal role in the club’s charge to the play-off semi-finals, scoring 8 tries and kicking 63 conversions. 

Hooley, who is sponsored by Nick Jacques @ 1^st4Gas, said: 

“I am over the moon to finally get it done and secure my future for the next couple of years, I said in multiple interviews it felt like home from day one and was welcomed with open arms. I wanted to carry that on and go on the path Bradford are going on, hopefully now I can kick on and finish the year strong. 

“I started my career here in the under-19s where I signed my first professional contract, so I have been on a big circle but now I have ended up back here and it is good to secure a deal here and look forward to the next couple of years.

“The club is pushing for Super League there’s no hiding that. You’d like to think Bradford are up there and I have a lot to prove in Super League so hopefully third time lucky and I can secure a spot week in, week out and show everyone what I can do. 

“On a personal level since I’ve returned to the club, I think I’ve done okay. I set myself a few personal goals back in March, what I wanted to do and where I wanted to get to, the 1895 Cup was on there but doesn’t always work out. I think I’ve gone alright and hopefully this weekend I can help us get to the Grand Final. 

“I just wanted to come back and fall in love with game again, you can do a pre-season knowing know you won’t get a proper chance but I thought I had a good dig this year, it ultimately didn’t work out but hopefully I can have good pre-season starting fresh at a new club. 

“The fans have been part of it all, they have done nothing but sing my praises and I have loved every minute, they are a good, large group and we will need them again this weekend.” 

Head coach Brian Noble, sponsored by Paints & Lacquers, said: 

“He has shown why Super League clubs like Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers both showed an interest in him and signed him to be a Super League player. I think he understands and we do too, that there is lots of improvement in him even though he does some things wonderfully well a good pre-season here will make him even better. 

“We have got another excellent full-back in Tom Holmes and Luke has managed to keep him out of that position with Tom now thriving in the halves so it was a necessary signing in March that has worked out for us.”