Bulls skipper Michael Lawrence was full of praise earlier this week for the additional quality new signings Dan Smith and Mitch Souter will bring to the club next season.

And those three could well make up the usual starting front row under new head coach Eamon O’Carroll in 2024.

Despite taking on a teaching role at New College Bradford a few months ago, and helping out with mentoring Bulls’ youngsters, Lawrence has no intention of anything other than being a first-team regular next season.

That determination is only reinforced by a frustrating spell on the sidelines in spring, and the former Huddersfield star told the T&A: “I see myself playing every game next year.

“I was gutted to be injured earlier this season, and I missed about 12 games before coming back in mid-June, after which I played every single week.

“Playing regularly is all I’ve ever known in my career, and that’s why I came here from Huddersfield, to feature as much as possible.

“I’ve no aspirations to move into coaching, which is why I’ve become a teacher.

“I want to have as much influence as I can on the field every week and it’s only when I feel I’m not performing at a high level anymore, or if injuries pile up, that I’ll call it a day.

“But for now, the aim for 2024 is to play as much as possible.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: York away in February was one of only four league appearances Michael Lawrence made until mid-June in 2023.York away in February was one of only four league appearances Michael Lawrence made until mid-June in 2023. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Thoughts are now very much turning to 2024, especially with pre-season starting in just over two weeks’ time.

But Bulls rounded off 2023 with a well-attended end-of-season awards do last month, on a night full of positivity at Odsal.

Lawrence picked up an individual prize after winning ‘Try of the Year’ for his remarkable effort at Batley in August, his only try of the season coming when he hared on to Ben Blackmore’s wild inside kick in the dying seconds of the game, caught the ball on the run, and scored.

But he also stayed on stage after that to present awards to the club’s loyal fans, volunteers and sponsors.

Asked if the night brought home how much Bulls means to so many people, the skipper said: “It’s a massive fanbase and Bradford is a huge club.

“I know the history of the club, and how famous they became in the early 2000s in particular.

“I want to be part of getting the club back to where they once were.

“The fans have that pull and they’re nearly all still there from the glory days.

“If we keep bringing success and performances on the field, those good days will be back and those who have stopped attending will return as well.

“The better we do on the field will only help us to attract more sponsorship too.

“You saw that at the end of season awards anyway, and it was a special night.

“It was great to celebrate our volunteers and fans and it was really nice to be a part of all that.”