BRANDON Pickersgill is determined to carry on from where he left off after signing for next year at the Bulls.

The highly-rated full back is the latest in John Kear’s squad to follow the coach and commit to a new deal.

Pickersgill had made a strong start to the season before the sport shut down in March.

The RFL have now decided the Championship will not resume this year – but he is confident of carrying that form with Bradford into 2021.

Pickersgill said: “I am very pleased to have signed. These are uncertain times with what’s going on and the game has taken a hit but I am buzzing to stay at Bradford another year.

“I am glad it’s all sorted and am ready to go back.

“I really wanted to have a big year and I feel I was well on my way to that. We had some big games to start and I think I played well in those.

“I sat down with John and Mark (Dunning) in pre-season and said that I wanted that number one shirt.

“It was up to me to earn it and I feel like I was doing that.”

The 22-year-old had scored three tries in six appearances – and continued to earn rave reviews from Kear for his defensive work.

Pickersgill admits he has learned so much from working with the veteran coach, whose decision to sign a new contract earlier this year convinced him to stay.

“I have got a great relationship with John,” he added. “He knows my game and he has really helped me improve and that is clear for everyone else to see.

“He is a big pull in staying at Bradford - we have seen that with the signings.

“Working under him is great and when I knew John was staying, I wanted to sign.

“Speaking to the coaches, next year I feel we have a really strong chance and we have a strong spine going forward.”

The capture of the vastly-experienced Danny Brough has excited Pickersgill, who insists the team are only getting stronger.

“We are trying to keep the spine of the team and keep building and Broughie will be a great addition.

“He is a player who will manage games and help us get a lot more wins.

“There is no one more disappointed than the players not to return to league action. We were flying and aiming for the play-offs.

“The message is just stick with us. It is a long wait but we really appreciate it and can’t wait to get back.”

Kear recently tied down vice-captain Sam Hallas for another year and is delighted to add Pickersgill as he looks to keep the majority of the current squad.

The Bulls coach said: “I have publicly stated how much I rate Brandon as a player. His improvement and development has been phenomenal - and I can see further improvement.

“I believe he is the best defensive full back in the division and I am rapped to have him on board.

“Brandon had a spell out of the side last year. He came back and more than proved a point to myself and to the fans.

“He really is very good player with a good attitude and another good young man.

"He was sought-after so we are very happy that he has thrown his weight behind us and what we are trying to achieve.”