Bradford Bulls have confirmed that homegrown talent Billy Jowitt has been released from the final year of his contract to join Hunslet, who have just been promoted to the Betfred Championship.

The 23-year-old made his senior bow for Bradford in 2021 having come through the club’s academy and reserves pathway, but a series of long-term injuries have restricted him to just 26 appearances in four years.

Bradford Bulls head coach Brian Noble said: “Billy has been bedevilled by a number of injures in his career.

"But I have got a lot of time for him and he will become a super player.

“Billy needs to be able to play first-team rugby and we couldn’t guarantee him the game time he needs to be able to develop and become that player.

“We are sad to see him go but wish him the best of luck in the future and we will always be keeping tabs on him to see his progress.”

Hunslet head coach Dean Muir told the Parksiders’ club website: “Billy is an exciting player for us. 

“He has the potential to unlock defences and is a real threat with the ball.

“He can also create opportunities for himself and others.

“After talking to Billy it was clear our aims were aligned and it was a great match.

“He is someone who with more game time can only get better and we can’t wait to see him in a Hunslet shirt.”

Jowitt himself told the Hunslet website: “I got a good feeling about the move to Hunslet as soon as i had the phone call with Dean.

“I felt like what Dean was wanting to do and the style/brand of rugby he wanted to play is what I enjoy and feel I can add to.

“My old man (Warren) played at Hunslet when he first started out so that had a drawing factor too.

“My main ambitions for this year are to be back enjoying and playing my best rugby and to help make Hunslet a Championship team that’s competing up in the top half of the table.”