FORMER Bradford Bulls star James Donaldson gave a bit back to his old club last week.

The back-rower, a current Leeds Rhinos player, was invited to speak to Bulls’ reserve and academy sides, in order to share his experience and journey in the game.

Whitehaven-born Donaldson, 32, started out at Cumbrian outfit Wath Brow Hornets in the National Conference League, before making to move to West Yorkshire as a junior to join Bradford.

He went on to play 79 times for Bulls’ first team between 2009 and 2014, scoring four tries in total.

Donaldson’s final season at Bradford saw the club relegated from Super League for the first time, but he was quickly snapped up by their top-flight rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

After four seasons at Craven Park, during which time he overcame an horrendous ACL knee injury.

Donaldson left East Yorkshire at the end of 2018, after which eight-team Super League Grand Final winners Rhinos handed him a trial.

He did enough in pre-season to earn himself a one-year deal at Headingley, and has been there ever since.

Donaldson finally won the first trophy of his career in 2020, as Leeds edged out Salford Red Devils 17-16 in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

The veteran even made a return to the Bradford fold in 2023, playing one game on dual registration for the club in April, starring in a 26-22 Betfred Championship win at Halifax Panthers in April.

After a fine career, Donaldson has been rewarded with a testimonial.

That will take place at Headingley on Sunday, February 4 between Leeds and Hull KR, the week after Bulls host Leeds at Odsal in their final pre-season friendly.