BRADFORD Bulls has announced that Joe Arundel will be staying with the Odsal side having signed a new one-year deal - extending his stay into the 2024 season.

The 32-year-old is currently in his second spell wearing the red, amber and black - and has made 20 appearances this year, scoring six tries.

Arundel joins the likes of Kieran Gill, Ebon Scurr and Jordan Lilley in committing his future to the Bulls, as the Odsal side head into their final four league fixtures currently sitting third in the Betfred Championship.

The experienced back row/centre has spoken of his “love” for the club - and his excitement at the direction the club is currently travelling in.

“I am glad to get it sorted. It would be nice to get it ripped up and see the club promoted but I am just really happy to get it sorted and I am looking forward to next year,” said Arundel.

“I really enjoyed my time back in 2014 when I was first here, so it has been nice to be back. I love the club; my family are happy at the club and there is a great feeling about the direction the club is going in, and I am glad to be a part of it.”

Arundel added: “The facilities we have at training are better than most professional clubs. You can work hard and look after your body, which you can’t always do at other teams, while the Board of Directors in place at the minute are making strides to make the club greater as well.”

Eamon O’Carroll, discussing the contract extension of Arundel, said: “Joe is a hugely important member of our squad who has a wealth of experience and leadership qualities. He’s proving he can add value to our squad in a number of positions and at a high standard too.

“Having spoken with Joe it was clear he wanted to stay. He spoke highly of the club, its’ people and the squad. He has also made clear his ambition to play Super League with Bradford. I look forward to being able to work with Joe over the next 12 months.”

Despite starting the season in the centre position, Arundel has now switched to playing in the back row and he admitted that it’s something he’s more than happy to do.

He said: “Obviously, you play where the coach wants you to play, but I feel comfortable playing in a number of positions.

“I’m happy to play anywhere and I’m getting used to the back row now, so it’s about building them combinations with players like Lee (Gaskell) and Jayden (Myers), someone who is doing extremely well in the centre.”

He added: “We’ve got a really strong team and it’s good to be apart of. We are putting the wins together, and now we’ve got four games to consolidate our playoff position.

“The results have gone our way, so if we keep doing our bit and winning, then we’ll get our spot confirmed soon enough. We’ll then turn our focus to having a good dig at the playoffs.”