BRADFORD NFL prospect Jacob Smillie is turning his back on American football for now, as he looks to make it in rugby once again.

The former Bradford Bulls reserve, who was at Odsal in early 2020 just before the Covid pandemic put a temporary stop to sport, played one first-team game for their rivals Halifax Panthers in 2019.

But after a move to another Championship side for the 2021 season, Swinton Lions, he got the chance to have a crack as an American football running back.

He took part in the NFL Combine, and later the CFL (Canadian Football League) Combine and despite going undrafted in both, he has played professionally in Europe since.

Smillie, who is from the BD6 area, near Wibsey, told the T&A: “I actually did better in the CFL Combine, and there were improvements on my times from the NFL one.

“I wasn’t drafted for either, but I might give it a go another time, whenever that may be.

“But my mum always said I should keep my options open, and I just think it’s time to go back to rugby league again.

“I’m only 24 still, but I did come to the sport quite late, so I’d love to encourage and show other athletes who think their chance has passed that age is no barrier.”

He added: “At this point, I feel my future is in rugby league, even though I think I did well in my time playing American football.

“I was the only Yorkshireman selected for the NFL Combine and I recorded the fourth-fastest time overall there in the 40-yard dash.

“I was happy with myself and it was a privilege to be able to go to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and take part in that.

“As well as that and the Canadian equivalent, I ended up at Stuttgart Surge in the European League of Football, and Silesia Rebels in the Polish Football League.”

But a few months ago, Smillie pitched up in rugby league once again, at none other than Super League giants Wigan Warriors, playing for their reserves.

He said: “It was a really good opportunity for me there.

“They’re one of the best clubs in Super League and they have world-class facilities.

“The players and staff were good to me there and helped me get back into the groove of rugby league.

“The fitness work you need to do in rugby league is different to in American football, so that was important to readjust to, and it was nice to have a rugby ball back in my hands again.”

As for what is next for free agent Smillie, the Bradford man said: “I’m currently looking for a club, and my ambition is still to play at the highest level I can.

“Any opportunity that comes my way in rugby I’m willing to take a look at, I’ll have to see which team might offer me one.

“I’ve tried out American football, and did well, but I just think now is the right time for me to focus on rugby again.”