Bradford Bulls snap up John Davies from Featherstone Rovers

The 32-year-old joins the club after eight years at Featherstone Rovers, where he played a key role in securing the League Leaders’ Shield and AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.

Davies was also an integral part of the sides that reached the Million Pound Games in 2019 and 2021.

A Castleford Lock Lane product, Davies made his debut for the Tigers in 2009, before enjoying spells at York City Knights, Batley Bulldogs and Sheffield Eagles prior to his move to Featherstone.

He has spoken of his excitement at the new challenge that lies ahead – with a ‘refreshing’ change whetting the appetite to impress in the red, amber and black.

Davies said: “It’s all happened really fast. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind of a week but I am really excited.

“I met (Bulls CEO) Jason Hirst and (Bulls head coach) Eamon O’Carroll and there seems to be a really good feel and buzz about the club.

“I genuinely feel the club is on an upward trajectory, and that is something I am really excited to be a part of.

“I have been at Featherstone for eight years and I have been happy with my performances, but now it’s a new environment and a new set of fans to try impress.

“The move is really exciting, refreshing and it whets the appetite for me to get my head down, cement myself in the team and become a fan favourite.

“It will be a bit of a new experience for me, because it’s been a while since I was a new starter, so initially there will be a focus on playing the best rugby I can for Bradford Bulls next year.

“I do have a lot of experience in highly-competitive environments, so if the players need my support, I will be there to share my experiences.

“It’s not a bad problem to have when people have nice things to say about you and are excited about you joining the club.

“I was at Featherstone for a long time and you become part of the furniture, so to see the anticipation and level of excitement for me to be joining is really flattering.

“I want to do those who are excited and have faith in me justice and give myself that level of credibility with my performances.”

John Davies (left) is not afraid to do the dirty work on the field. (Image: Allan McKenzie/Swpix.com.)

The club have thanked the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their contribution in getting the signing over the line, and it is one which O’Carroll is delighted with.

He said: “I am really pleased, as he is a great acquisition for us.

“John has been a proven, top-quality Championship player for a number of years and he will give us depth.

“He can play in the back row, on the edges and in the middle to a high standard, week in, week out.

“I was really impressed by his drive when we spoke.

“He expressed how he wanted to be part of something he feels is special and compete, week in, week out.

“He also fits the calibre of player and person we want to bring to the club.

“When you meet him, as a person he is quite relaxed, so I think he will have that influence on the team as well.

“When we are going well, I am a big believer in staying calm, and in times of adversity, it’s important to remain calm too, so John will add to us in that respect.

“He has played at a really high level for a number of years and in good environments, so he knows what it takes to play at the top end of the Championship.

“He will be happy to share that experience, not only with the younger lads but with us all.

“It was really important that we nailed the squad we wanted before we got into pre-season and we have now got great depth, balance, and a mix of youth and experience.

“It is exciting to be getting to the part of our journey where we are starting pre-season together and we are not far off in terms of recruitment.

“There might be a couple more, but if we were to go into the season now, I would be happy with the squad we’ve got.”