Bradford Bulls announce new deal for Michael Lawrence

The 34-year-old arrived at Bartercard Odsal prior to the start of the 2023 season – immediately being named captain before leading to the team to its highest league finish in eight years and a spot in the play-off semi finals.

‘Bruno’ becomes the 21st confirmed member of Bulls' 2025 roster and will be part of a powerful forward pack already containing the likes of Logan Bayliss, Emmanuel Waine and Ronan Michael.

The retained Logan Bayliss puts in a tackle against Wakefield alongside Mitch Souter. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

And Lawrence has spoken of his excitement at contributing to the club’s next chapter – full of belief that the club can make further strides forward next year.

He said: “I’m chuffed, as since I have come to the club I have really enjoyed my time and felt a part of the group.

"I love what the club is doing and I am really excited.

"I really enjoy playing under Freddie [Eamon O’Carroll], he’s a great coach, we have a great coaching staff and a great team and I am really excited about what we’re doing this year and then moving on to the next.”

“I am determined to be a part of those exciting times, and since I have come to the club we have got to the play-off semi-final, got to the 1895 Cup semi-final and we’re on our way to finishing the league well this year.

“When I came here and first sat down with Jason [Hirst], Nigel [Wood] and Brian Noble, the aim was to help change the culture and help build a competitive hard working team.

“I believe we have that now and I like to think I have played a small part in that.

"I am looking forward to playing even more of a part next year and helping this team reach its potential.

"This year has been a nightmare for me with injuries but I am fully fit now, back on the field and I feel I can have a massive impact on this team.

“We have some great talent joining the club next year too, which will only help take the group forward, alongside some of the retentions we’ve made and some we will go on to make.

"I am excited for what we can achieve this year and next."

He added: “The fans are massive.

"One of the things I noticed when I came was how passionate they are, how much they love the club and how much they want the club to be successful.

"I have had some great times in front of the fans and I am looking forward to making more.”

Bulls head coach Eamon O’Carroll has hailed Lawrence’s importance to the group – speaking of his delight at seeing his captain pen an extension.

Eamon O'Carroll has valued Michael Lawrence's input all season, but he would love to see his skipper out on the field even more often next term. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

He said: “I am very happy.

"Bruno is really important to us and with the additions we are bringing in for next year it was really important we kept senior players like Bruno around rather than losing one and bringing one in.

“I know how important he is for us and how desperate he still is to play for the club with the ambition he still has.

"I am really happy he’s our captain and that he’s agreed to extend for another 12 months.

“He’s been a massive help to me, because I get a good read from him in regards to where the group is at and how they’re feeling.

"He’s everything you want from a captain.

“It is really important we have a good relationship and I trust him.

"He’s been through a bit this year but he leads by example with the way he applies himself.

“I find when senior players are out for a period of time, the better they are when they come back due to the way they apply themselves off the field.

"Bruno has come back possibly even better himself due to the work he puts in and they're the type of people we want here.

"He works extremely hard, whether that’s preparing for a game or helping the team prepare if he’s not involved, so I am really delighted to get him over the line.”