BRADFORD Bulls have announced the permanent signing of Luke Hooley on a two-year deal.
The 27-year-old came through the junior ranks at the Bulls, before going on to play for Wakefield, Batley, Leeds and Castleford.
He rejoined Bradford on loan from the latter back in March, making his debut in the Challenge Cup tie against Salford.
The full-back has since played a pivotal role in the club’s charge to the Betfred Championship play-off semi-finals, scoring eight tries and kicking 63 conversions.
Hooley said: “I am over the moon to finally get it done and secure my future for the next couple of years.
“I’ve said in multiple interviews that it felt like home from day one and I was welcomed with open arms.
“I wanted to carry that on and go on the path Bradford are going on, so hopefully now I can kick on and finish the year strongly.
“I started my career here in the Under-19s and it’s where I signed my first professional contract, so I have been on a big circle.
“But now I have ended up back at the club and it is good to secure a deal here and look forward to the next couple of years.”
Hooley added: “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 to 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, winning the 1895 Cup was on there but it 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, as 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 at Castleford, but hopefully I can have a good pre-season, starting fresh at a new club.
“The fans have been part of it all, as 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.”
Bulls head coach Brian Noble said: “Luke has shown why clubs like Leeds and Castleford 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.
“Tom is now thriving in the halves, so it was a necessary signing in March that has worked out for us.”
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