BRADFORD Bulls have waved goodbye to a long-serving player, with 23-year-old forward Liam Kirk joining fellow Championship side Oldham at the end of the season.

Kirk came through the Bradford Bulls Academy, before making his first team debut under Jimmy Lowes in 2016, scoring a try against Castleford Tigers.

He soon became a regular in the side, and was almost an ever-present from 2017 to 2019, helping the side to promotion from League One in 2018, after they beat Workington 27-8 in the play-off final.

Kirk featured in all but one of Bulls' league games in 2020, as well as appearing in their Challenge Cup clash against community rugby league side Underbank Rangers.

In total he made more than 80 appearances for the Bulls, scoring five tries.

After his departure was confirmed, Kirk was quick to pay tribute to the club on Twitter:

Bulls head coach John Kear said: “It is sad to see someone who has been at the club so long go, but we are running with a reduced squad with only so many spots available.

“Liam has been very good from the day (I arrived) and I would like to thank him for his efforts.

“I know the club are also thankful for his years of efforts and I wish him well for the future at Oldham, but you never know what’s round the corner.”

Kirk will play at Oldham under head coach Matt Diskin, who he worked with at academy level at Odsal.

A delighted Diskin, speaking to Oldham's official website, said: “He was in my academy team for a number of years and he’s a terrific forward.

“Until you work with him you don’t appreciate his quality. He’s an experienced, talented forward and I make no secret of the fact that I’ve tried to sign him previously.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get him on board this time and I know he’ll slot easily and comfortably into our squad and do exceptionally well.”