Bradford Bulls have announced that former vice-captain Sam Hallas has signed a two-year deal with the club - which sees him don the red, amber and black until at least the end of the 2025 season.

The 26-year-old returns to his boyhood club for a third spell, having signed permanently from Leeds Rhinos in 2017 and a brief stint in 2022.

Hallas, who provides vast experience and versatility, becomes the 18th member of our 2024 squad following the recent signing of Will Oakes.

The forward reunites with incoming head coach Eamon O’Carroll, who he played under at Newcastle Thunder in 2022, and who he believes gets the best out of him on the field.

Hallas said: “It is a massive privilege (to be coming back), it is something I am really looking forward to.

"I have left a couple of times for a full-time opportunity and for an opportunity in Australia which unfortunately didn’t arise but I am really excited to play for Bradford again and to play under Freddy (O’Carroll) again.

“Bradford is a massive club, really close to my heart, I love the club and have been to watch a few times this year.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sam Hallas will have seen some great scenes at Odsal this year, with Sunday's win over York arguably the highlight so far.Sam Hallas will have seen some great scenes at Odsal this year, with Sunday's win over York arguably the highlight so far. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

"It's great to see them doing well, and as a Bradford fan you want them winning.

“I had Eamon at Newcastle, and he was the best coach I have played under.

"As a bloke and as a coach, his attention to detail is fantastic.

"I was playing my best rugby and I was in the best nick under him.

"He is someone I really enjoy playing for and to get the chance to do that again is something that really excites me.

“There is a sense of unfinished business, I want to win things, I want to get promoted and make even more memories like I have already in parts at Bradford.

“I love the club and I want to see it do as well as it can.

"There is a real good squad being put together, it could be the most competitive squad I have been involved with at Bradford and that will help me.

"I will go to work every day and try to cement my place in the team as it is full of quality."

“This time around it is even more exciting for me, it is a different scenario to what I have come into before.

"i will work really hard to play my best rugby, like I was for Eamon at Newcastle, and cement my place in the squad.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Sam Hallas playing for Bulls in late 2021, just before he moved to Newcastle under Eamon O'Carroll.Sam Hallas playing for Bulls in late 2021, just before he moved to Newcastle under Eamon O'Carroll. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

"Fingers crossed the club goes up this year but if not the next.

"I will give 100 per cent as I do every single week, the club means everything to me."

Incoming head coach O’Carroll said: “We are really happy to be able to bring Sam back to the club.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with Sam in the past, he has great leadership qualities, works hard, drives standards and after a number of conversations he made it clear he has a real passion to help our club be successful.

“I’m confident the playing group, staff and fans will be pleased with this news.

"We are a great fit for Sam and we look forward to welcoming him and his family back to the club.”