Bradford Bulls keeping Jordan Lilley at Odsal with new deal

Born in Leeds and coming up through the Rhinos academy, he might be an unlikely modern-day stalwart for Bulls, but this new contract will take him to nearly a decade at Odsal.

Discussing his love for Bulls with the T&A, versatile Lilley said: “It’s something I didn’t think I’d ever say being a Leeds lad.

“The song the fans chant me is a good one, and the club is close to my heart and means a lot to me.

“I ultimately want to see Bradford back in Super League and the three-year deal (until the end of 2026) is part of a building stage to try and push us back up there.

“If the ambition and burning desire wasn’t to be pushing for Super League status, I wouldn’t have signed a three-year deal.

“Ultimately, I want to be competing and playing week in, week out at the top level.

“It’s something that means a lot to me and my family. I live in Bradford now, the fans and staff are incredible and we’re building something special.

“Hopefully, with the likes of myself, Gilly (Kieran Gill) and Ebon Scurr signing new deals, we can keep a lot more of the core of this team and build for next year.

“We’re still going and pushing this year though, and results went our way today, so we’re now just a point off third.

Bulls are pushing on nicely, with a second big away win in a row seeing them close in on the top four. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“There’s nothing to say we can’t make the top four, push for a home play-off, and then who knows what can happen?”

Lilley admitted there was interest from elsewhere, though he is happy with his choice.

He said: “There was a decision to be made, and it came down to a few factors.

“I’m at that age now where I’ve got a family, and the money side of it does matter.

“But ultimately, what sold it to me is where the club see themselves going.

“They’re not cutting back and trying to stay in mid-table, they want to push us up the ladder as far as they can for that Super League status.

“There were some talks I had and looks around elsewhere, but ultimately it’s Bradford I’ve chosen for the next three years and I’ll give it everything, like I do every week.”

Naturally a half-back, Lilley had a rare outing in there alongside Lee Gaskell in the superb win at Batley yesterday, with Dec Patton dropped from the side.

Discussing how he found it in the pivot with Gaskell, Lilley said: “Lee’s played at the top level and done some amazing stuff.

Lee Gaskell and Jordan Lilley dovetailed beautifully in the halves against Batley. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“He’s someone I look up to in the team and someone who I can learn from.

“He’s a very relaxed character. You see him on the field making stuff look easy and if I can learn some of that off him and the way he plays, the sort of stuff he’s looking for in a game, it’ll make me a miles better player.

“I enjoyed today and we bounced off each other, it wasn’t so structured.

“We have a structure to fall into, but sometimes it was a case of playing what we saw and pushing through with each other, playing around the ruck.

“I enjoyed the game and it was a good one for us going into a two-week break.

“We’ve got some time off and you don’t want to go into that after a loss.

“But this wasn’t just a win, it was a really good one against a really tough team.

“I’m delighted with how we’re going and it just proves we can compete with the top teams.

“Batley are above us and a team that’s been consistently good for the last few years, so they’re a bit of a marker for us.

“But we went out there and did a really good job on them.”

Discussing the importance of Lilley penning that three-year deal, Bulls’ interim head coach Lee Greenwood said: “It’s great for the club.

Lee Greenwood felt it was important that Bulls tied Jordan Lilley down to a new deal. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“Brian (Noble) and I put some recommendations to the club a few weeks ago and they’ve acted upon those.

“We know what any coach would want, and that’s generally good guys who are consistent every week, who give you absolutely everything and you can’t question them.

“There’s still a bit of work to do for Eamon (O’Caroll) and the board for next year regarding a couple of retentions and there’s still plenty of lads, if they carry on playing the way they did today, who can force their way into getting retained too.”

Incoming head coach O'Carroll said: 

“We are delighted to retain a player of Jordan’s quality. He is a well respected member of the squad and over the next 3 years he will play a really pivotal role in what we do on and off the field.

“After speaking to Jordan on a number of occasions it’s clear he has a deep knowledge of the game, a love for our club and a team first attitude having played a number of positions when needed.

“I look forward to working with him and the rest of the staff in helping him secure a pivotal role in our spine.

Jordan Lilley has proved his worth to Bulls by chipping in in the halves, at hooker and at full-back this season. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“This is a hugely important retention for us, the work Jason (Hirst), Nobby and Lee have done to get this done has been outstanding and I thank them for their efforts.”

Bulls CEO Hirst said: “The length of contract signifies our ambition and what an integral and influential role we see Jordan having on the field of play.

“Although there was a degree of competition from other Yorkshire sides, both Jordan and the club were clear and determined all along in our desire to extend his stay with the Bradford Bulls.

“We both recognised that we were the standout club in terms of matching Jordan’s ambitions, providing him and his family with security and generally continuing to making them feel welcomed and looked after.

“As well as being a talented player, Jordan exudes enthusiasm and passion each and every time he pulls on a Bulls’ shirt.

Jordan Lilley rarely, if ever, shirks a challenge on the field. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

“Those qualities, and in particular his 100 per cent effort, each and every match, typify what this club is all about and what our loyal fan base and board of directors expect to see, hard work and pride in the shirt, leading to success.

“In that regard, Jordan is a real leader.

“Jordan will be 27 by the time his new contract kicks in, so to secure his services for at least another three years, during the likely prime of his career, is a real statement of intent, as we look to return the club to Super League at the earliest opportunity.

“To that end, the greatly appreciated fans’ support of Jordan, his teammates and the club remains vitally important, as we target a home play-off place and a successful conclusion to this season.”