The RFL

Bradford Bulls have confirmed the signing of prop forward Nick Scruton from Leeds Rhinos.

The 23-year-old England international will join the Bulls on a three-year contract from next season.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara said: “Nick has been playing in a very strong Leeds side for the last three or four years and he has gone very well.

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

“Nick's young, English and has got a great deal of ambition whilst he still has plenty of improvement in him. He is tough and fit and a very vocal player who will add a lot to our pack next year and 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 admitted that the decision to join Leeds’ local rivals was the hardest of his life.

He was out of contract at the end of the season but hopes to bow out of Headingley Carnegie with a Grand Final ring.

“I have been having sleepless nights trying to come up with the right decision,” said Scruton.

“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 love Leeds Rhinos and I have got lifelong friends at Leeds. I will be giving everything to try and retain that Grand Final and go out on a high.”

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington added: “It is always disappointing to lose someone we wished to keep and especially Nick, a local lad who has come through our academy,” said Hetherington.

“But we are now in an age of freedom of contract and players choice. We have evolved a pay structure at the Rhinos which everyone understands and recognises but it is inevitable from time to time we will miss out.”

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