BEN Blackmore has signed a new one-year deal with Bulls, having had second thoughts about retiring at the end of the season.

However, the winger admitted 2024 is likely to be his last year in rugby league, as hopes to end his career on a high at Bradford.

Speaking to the T&A about his new contract after yesterday’s 12-10 win at London Broncos, Blackmore said: “It’s a massive thing to sign.

“I spoke to my family because I was thinking about calling it a day, as I’ve got a young kid.

“But he loves coming to Bradford games, my missus loves it here, so we’re all happy and we’re all glad I’m staying another year.

“I never want to say never, but I think 2024 will be my last year.

“I’ve told Bradford I want to finish here as I’ve enjoyed it.”

Laughing, he added: “Who knows though? I might do another five years like George Flanagan.”

Blackmore is the 16th Bulls player to sign a new deal, and he admitted those who had put pen-to-paper before him influenced his decision to stay.

He said: “There are a couple of my pals here like Beefy (Brad England) and George.

“I’ve got good mates here now, it’s like a family, so we’re laughing.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: George Flanagan is a good friend of Ben Blackmore's, and will also be part of the Bulls squad for 2024.George Flanagan is a good friend of Ben Blackmore's, and will also be part of the Bulls squad for 2024. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

The 30-year-old has been plagued by a back issue over the last few months, but insisted that had not been a factor in his retirement consideration.

He said: “To be fair, it was nothing to do with my back.

“I hurt it against Halifax a couple of months ago and it’s gone again since.

“I’ve got a bulging disc in my back, but Bradford and (head physiotherapist) Grace (Lennox) are managing it now, and I’ve had my scans.

“Bradford have been looking after me, so I just need to keep fit.

“It’s one of them, it comes and goes, but I’ve got a big off-season coming.

“It’s just about getting through these play-offs and I’ve got some good rest time then.

“As soon as I walk out, the adrenaline takes over, so it’s not an issue during games.”

That was evident in the win over London yesterday, with Blackmore standing out in attack and defence.

He said: “It was good, because it was nerve-wracking coming back into the side in a game like that.

“It was a do-or-die game but I thought I did alright and it’s about building for Sheffield now.

“We’ve been in there talking, and we’re just trying to get wins, so we’re going to go to Sheffield and try our best there.”

Praising the fans in the capital, Blackmore added: “It was massive to have them.

“Walking out, we had more fans than the home team. Happy days to get over the line, and it was a really good win.”

Interim head coach Lee Greenwood praised Blackmore’s display against the Broncos too, saying afterwards: “Ben hasn’t even trained with us for the last few weeks because of his injury, and he was only in because he’d strung a couple of sessions together this week.

“If you haven’t trained properly for a while, to produce a performance like that is a fair effort.

“We had no doubts with Ben though, we wouldn’t have put him in if we did, and he’s come in after not playing before and performed, that’s what he’s like.

“We’re happy to have him and he certainly added something to us today.”