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Rugby League

Bradford secure Scruton signing

04/09/2008

Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of Leeds Rhinos and England prop forward Nick Scruton on a three-year contract from 2009 onwards.

The 23-year-old, who has made 96 appearances for the reigning Super League champions to date, is expected to be a key signing for the Bulls as they look to build on their 2008 campaign, which has seen them just scrape into the end-of-season playoffs.

Scruton is in contention for selection to the England squad that will travel to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup later this year after impressing in his 25 appearances for the Rhinos in 2008.

And Bulls head coach Steve McNamara said he is delighted to add the young prop to his playing staff for 2009.

"Nick has been playing in a very strong Leeds side for the last three or four years and he has gone very well," McNamara explained.

"I'm really pleased to able to bring him to the Bulls and also by the fact that he wanted to come here to Bradford as well."

McNamara described Scruton as "tough and fit and a very vocal player", adding: "Nick's young, English and has got a great deal of ambition while he still has plenty of improvement in him.

"I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He's someone who bases his game on his sheer love and enthusiasm for the sport and he is a great addition to our squad."

Scruton said he had agonised over his decision to leave Leeds, but feels it was the right decision for himself and his family.

"I have been having sleepless nights trying to come up with the right decision," he said.

"It is something I have thought long and hard about and spoke to my family about. We were talking with Leeds for a long time to try and come up with a deal but at the end of the day I have to sign the right deal for me.

"I am looking forward to the new challenge at Bradford next year but that will be then and I am now fully concentrated on now and helping the Rhinos to another grand final."