The Bulls have handed former Halifax prop Jode Sheriffe a chance to resurrect his career.

Sheriffe, 21, will play for the club's Senior Academy side next season, with coach Basil Richards hoping to rediscover a lost talent.

"We were aware of him a couple of seasons ago and showed a bit of interest but he was enjoying himself at Halifax and opted to stay there," said Richards.

"Jode definitely had potential back then but in between we're not sure what's happened.

"He hasn't kicked on as he would have liked, going a bit stale and getting disillusioned by his progression at Halifax. Hopefully though he'll reach that potential with us.

"He's coming here part-time to play for the under-21s and wants to refind his appetite for the game."

Bradford-born Sheriffe, the younger brother of Harlequins winger Rikki, failed to make a single appearance last season for Halifax in National League One and has recently been playing for amateurs Siddal.

But Richards, looking to strengthen his Academy options after last season's injury problems, said: "We've always monitored Jode since our initial interest and kept an eye on him.

"We're more than happy to give him a go and help him find his feet in a new environment.

"He's come in, settled quite quickly and is showing some quality signs, while the feedback we're getting is that he's enjoying it.

"Harlequins were interested in him not long ago. That was when Tony Rea was in charge but unfortunately for Jode, Brian McDermott took over and he didn't figure in his plans.

"His father's made contact with us this year and basically Jode wants to come along and see how he does here."

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