Star man Gaskell: I could pen new Bradford Bulls deal

Gaskell is widely regarded as the best player outside of Super League and was crowned the Kingstone Press Championship player of the year last term.

The 25-year-old is one of several key Bradford players out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Yet the former St Helens stand-off, now in his third season at Odsal after being signed by Francis Cummins ahead of the 2014 campaign, is open to the prospect of extending his stay further.

It remains to be seen which division Jimmy Lowes' men will be in next season as they battle for promotion from the Championship but Gaskell admits to a sense of loyalty to the Bulls.

He stayed with the club after the disastrous 2014 relegation season and said: "Obviously I'd love to stay at Bradford because they're a good club who have been good to me, so there is no reason why I would want to move on.

"To be honest, I've not actually thought about it or spoken to my agent since before Christmas because I didn't think there was any need to.

"At the back end of last season, I had a few injuries with my jaw and my ribs, so I didn't really want to think too far ahead.

"I just wanted to get off to a good start this year and see where we are at from there.

"I've got nothing else lined up but you just never know what's going to happen in rugby and I've not really thought about it too much because I've just been focused on making a good start to the season.

"Come April or May, I'm sure we will start talking about contracts."

Gaskell spent several weeks of last season on the sidelines through injury but, now back to full fitness, he has started the new season with five tries in three games without yet hitting top gear.

He played in the stormy opening-day defeat to Leigh last term but missed the return drawn fixture at Odsal and the win against them in the Qualifiers.

"I don't think I've been involved in many better games than that opening match in terms of entertainment value," remembered Gaskell.

"The result was obviously disappointing but the atmosphere created by both sets of fans and the overall feel to the day was fantastic.

"I was disappointed to miss the next two matches against Leigh and this is a big one for us this weekend. We've started the season unbeaten and we want that to continue.

"It's early in the year but it would still be nice to beat a big team like Leigh.

"They're the type of quality team we will face in the middle eights so, even though it's early in the season and people can say it doesn't really matter, for us as players it's still a big thing to get the edge over sides like Leigh.

"Leigh have had good players for a few years now but I think they have improved this season by signing the likes of Harrison Hansen and Cory Paterson.

"They've got quality all over the place and we know they're going to be a threat.

"Rangi Chase was Man of Steel in 2011 and has played for England, so he's still one of the best players in the entire country, including Super League.

"We know it's going to be tough, and we've got to give them the respect they deserve, but at the same time we need to treat them like any other team and just go out there and perform."

The Bulls plan to sign a recognised scrum half before the promotion-deciding Qualifiers later this year but Gaskell insists half-back partner Danny Addy deserves great recognition for his performances.

He said: "Danny and I have a good understanding. He's a good player and a good lad – a bit of a joker – but we get on well on and off the field.

"Last season he fitted in perfectly and I don't think he got the credit he deserved.

"He's picked up where he left off really and can play well in numerous positions. At the moment he's playing well at half-back.

"I like to create opportunities for my team-mates but my main strength is probably my running game and being a threat with the ball.

"Danny does a lot of the organising from first receiver and then tips it on to me so I can do my bit. It works well."