Bradford Bulls skipper Graeme Bradley is to retire as a player at the end of the current Super League season.

Weeks of speculation over the future of the 34-year-old Aussie ended today when Bradley revealed exclusively in his weekly Yorkshire Sports column that he was ready to bring the curtain down on an illustrious career on both sides of the world.

But he pledged to give his all to end on a high by leading the champions to glory in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 24.

"I want to finish playing while the public and most importantly my team mates and family appreciate my contributions in helping achieve success.

"I also want to retain the friendships that have developed over the last three years at Bradford and I don't want to be the subject of rumour, innuendo and abuse. Passion for the game alone doesn't allow you to play forever and over the past month I have taken all these factors into consideration when deciding that I will retire at the end of the season.

"My focus and intent is now upon ensuring that I don't waste any opportunity in achieving success and that my career finishes in a style that everyone will remember."

Bradley played a leading role in the club's first title success for 16 years last season when his contribution was recognised by his fellow Super League professionals who nominated him for the Player of the Year award eventually won by Odsal colleague James Lowes.

Bulls Chief Executive Gary Tasker said: "Quite simply Graeme was the most influential player in Super League in 1997.

"Graeme has such influence and respect within the squad that, now that he has seen the finishing line, it would be a foolish person who would back against him making a Grand Final appearance and ending his career on the highest possible note."

Bradley's competitive edge made him a big favourite on the terraces and in the dressing room highlighted by a superb 1997 campaign which brought him 13 tries during the charge to the championship.

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