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Rugby League

Newton pledges future to Bulls

14/01/2008

Great Britain hooker Terry Newton has pledged his loyalty to Bradford Bulls despite receiving an offer to return to former club Wigan Warriors.

Warriors head coach Brian Noble offered fellow Hooker Mickey Higham in exchange for Newton, who played in the 3-0 Test series win over New Zealand last year.

But after discussions with the club's hierarchy to talk over his options, Newton has decided to remain at Odsal and says he will stay "as long as Bradford want me".

"I've spoken with [Bulls coach] Steve McNamara about it, told him my thoughts and we both agreed it's right for me here," Newton told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus newspaper.

"I've got two years left on my contract and, as long as Bradford want me, I'm never going to go to them and say I want out. So unless Macca changes his mind or [chairman] Peter Hood does, I'm a Bradford Bull.

"Macca's reassured me he wants me at the club and now I'm just looking forward to getting the season started."

McNamara confirmed his discussion with Newton, describing the player as "an absolutely vital component in our whole organisation".

"We've had an approach from Wigan and turned it down out of hand," he continued.

"We're not interested in Terry Newton leaving our club and certainly not interested in taking Mickey Higham as his replacement, which is what Wigan were offering."

He added: "It's simply not an option."