RHYS Evans has put down permanent roots at the Bulls after signing a two-year deal.

John Kear’s recruitment policy for 2021 is nearly complete with the capture of the Wales international.

The centre played 15 games in the 2019 campaign, scoring three tries, before joining Leeds last winter.

But with opportunities looking limited at the start of the season, he re-joined the Bulls just eight weeks later on loan and featured in their final Championship outings against Oldham and Sheffield in March before the pandemic struck.

Evans went back to his parent club and did make his Rhinos debut when Super League resumed, coming off the bench in a 48-0 loss to St Helens.

Kear sees the capture of a player he also coaches at international level as another step towards building a team capable of a serious push for promotion when rugby resumes.

He said: “I’m very happy with where everything is at. We’ve nailed down some quality players and I am pretty confident we can do ourselves justice.

“Rhys wants that stability at a club where he knows playing well and to fit in the team.

“He’s really looking forward to that and belonging to a group he will benefit.

“He is a great defender. One of the reasons I like him so much is that when he plays on our right edge, he makes it pretty solid and difficult to break down.

“He has a tremendous work ethic and I just cannot wait until we are back out there."

Evans has been back training with Leeds since their lockdown ended in July.

He said: "It is really good to have signed for the next two years. I can get my head down and look to kick on in a Bradford shirt and hopefully we can build on the success we had before COVID.

"I have a really good relationship with John, obviously knowing him from the Wales team. We have always kept in contact with everything going on and he is a big part of the reason why I am coming back.

"Hopefully given the fact I am still in training I can slot straight back into pre-season at Bradford and try stake my claim for a starting place."