Aussie second-rower Jeremy Donougher has taken up the option of a one-year extension to his contract with Bradford Bulls.

Coach Matthew Elliott, who has just returned from a holiday in Australia, is delighted with the news.

"Jeremy had a very bad ankle break in 1997 and medical opinion reckons 18 months is the usual recovery time.

"He is feeling stronger and stronger all the time and a fully fit Jeremy Donougher will be a big asset to the squad."

Elliott is also looking forward to having young three-quarter Andy Hodgson available after injury next term.

He added: "Andy Hodgson, who suffered a similar injury to Donougher a few months later, is also close to full fitness and it means the squad is coming together."

Hodgson is currenly playing rugby union with his old club Wharfedale to develop his fitness.

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