Bradford Bulls today unveiled try-scoring Aussie back-rower David Boyle as their final overseas recruit for the 1999 Super League campaign.

Boyle, 27, was a member of Canberra's 1994 Grand Final winning squad and has been a regular with the Raiders for the last nine seasons.

He had signed a deal with the Gold Coast Chargers but in anticipation of their demise from the NRL competition, Bulls coach Matthew Elliott made him an alternative two-year offer which Boyle has now taken up.

"I am really made up with David's signing," said Elliott.

"He adds some real dynamism to the squad. He is a very robust operator and has always had the ability to pop up with a try.

"He has been at one of the top clubs in Australia throughout his career alongside some fantastic players including Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart and Bradley Clyde and has always managed to find a place in the side."

The 27-year-old, who was also been chased by 1998 NRL semi-finalists Sydney City, will spend Christmas and New Year Down Under before joining his new colleagues for training on Monday, January 4.

Boyle's pace saw him also appear at centre for Mal Meninga's Raiders last season when he notched 11 tries but Elliott sees him predominantly as a back-rower.

In 1997 he came to Britain with Canberra's World Club Champion-ship squad and scored two tries in the shock 38-18 defeat at London Broncos in front of the television cameras.

He was also on the mark in the club's record 70-6 win over Halifax in the Aussie phase of the same competition.

Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy said: "We believe we have now put together an excellent squad very capable of mounting a serious challenge for honours and hope the fans will get behind us.

"The players are looking in excellent shape in training and the prospects look very exciting indeed.

"Discounted rates on season tickets are available until December 30 and represent tremendous value for Christmas presents."

The ticket office at Odsal is open between 9.30am and 12.30pm tomorrow, Monday-Wednesday 9.00am-5.30pm and 8.30am-12.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.