STEVE Crossley has made an emotional return to Odsal from Castleford and declared: “I’ve got unfinished business here.”
The Bradford-born prop only joined the Tigers during the off-season but has struggled for regular game-time and was more than happy to head back to the Bulls on a deal until the end of 2016.
The 25-year-old progressed through the ranks at Odsal and made his debut in 2010 but left for Dewsbury at the end of 2011 before another successful stint at Featherstone.
The former England Academy star, who played his amateur rugby at Clayton and now lives in Thornton, has emerged as one of the best props in the Championship in recent seasons.
He said: “When Bradford came in for me for an initial loan move, I jumped straight at the opportunity.
“Then the option came for them to take me on a permanent basis. It didn’t take too long to think about returning to my home-town club.
“This is where I grew up and is the club I supported as a boy.
“I have unfinished business here and that’s the phrase I would use.
“I’m going to do my best to get us back to where we belong and that’s up in Super League.”
The arrival of Crossley raises question marks over some of the Bulls’ current roster of props and he is set to make his debut at Doncaster on Sunday.
Head coach Jimmy Lowes said: “Steve’s a decent front-rower with Super League experience.
“Things weren’t happening for him at Castleford but he’s a strong ball-carrier and he certainly adds some great competition to our front row.
“Whatever happened between him and Castleford is their business, but he wasn’t happy there and we got an opportunity to bring him back here.
“I see him joining us as a big step forward for him and for the club as well.
“When good players become available, you have to put yourself in a position to act upon that.”
Matty Blythe and Dave Petersen are set to play for Oxford against Hemel Stags on dual-reg on Sunday, while Nathan Conroy and Adam Brook remain on a month's loan at the League One outfit.
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