Scott Naylor today gave a big vote of thanks to Brian Noble and his coaching staff for helping to save his career.

The 27-year-old centre, who signed a new two-year deal with Bradford Bulls last week, has admitted he was in crisis midway through the summer.

"It has been a tough year for me," said the England international.

"All season I was thinking my contract was up, and it got later and later and I was thinking that maybe I wasn't going to get one.

"I was worrying about what would happen next year - who I was going to play for - rather than getting on with this year and enjoying myself. I just tried too hard.

"I have given my all for the club for three years, but at stages this season I wasn't playing properly.

"Some of my loss of form was due to injuries, but I am not making excuses - a lot of it was in my head.

"But I have to give Brian Noble a big thank you. He is really the one who has pulled me through it when I was at my lowest and everything was on my shoulders. Brian kept saying 'Don't worry. You will be all right. Sort your game out and there will be no problems'.

"With his help, and Darrel Shelford and Karl Harrison (assistant coaches) and Jenno's (strength conditioner Carl Jennings) I have turned it round.

"But it isn't as easy as that when you have a family to provide for.

"The fans have been good to me at the Bulls. Yes, I heard them jeering me sometimes, but it only does you good - it keeps you on your toes."

Naylor played a crucial role in the Bulls' trouncing of Wigan 37-6 in the Tetley's Super League Grand Final almost two weeks ago.

He said: "It means everything to me to get a new contract. I always wanted to stay here.

"I played my best rugby towards the end of the season, which is probably the best time to play it, and I didn't want the season to finish.

"I had just got on a roll - I could have done with another five or six games."

l The Rugby Football League has ended its search for a sponsor for the forthcoming Ashes Series.

The League is thought to have secured a prestigious blue-chip company to back the three-match series against the 19th Kangaroo tourists, which kicks off at the McAlpine Stadium on Sunday, November 11.

An announcement will be made next Monday.

The League is also thought to be close to obtaining lucrative long-term backing for its blue-riband Challenge Cup competition following the loss of long-running sponsors Silk Cut.