ETHAN Ryan, hat-trick hero in last Sunday's emphatic Kingstone Press Championship home victory over Whitehaven, has penned a two-year deal to stay with Bradford Bulls.

The 20-year-old outside-back, who graduated from the Bulls' Academy at the end of last season, has excelled under the tutelage of head coach Rohan Smith, totalling six tries in six games, including that first professional treble.

Ryan thus follows in the footsteps of Danny Addy, Tom Olbison, Adam O’Brien and Alex Mellor, who have all come through the youth ranks at Bradford in recent years - a list that includes fellow 2015 graduate Joe Lumb.

“It’s an awesome feeling to extend my stay at the Bulls,” said Ryan.

“Being at this club is where I want to be, and to get a contract was the aim at the end of my one-year deal.

"To get an extension and a further two years is a dream come true.

“I’ve learned a lot and it’s been a massive step up for me. I’ve really enjoyed my first year and I’m looking forward to the next two.”

Smith said: “Ethan is a young, hungry talent at the club and I look forward to working with him over the next few years.

“He is another example of the rising talent coming through the youth system and into the first team, where he has developed over the past 12 months.”