Bradford Bulls new boy Riley Dean challenged to prove Super League ability

The 24-year-old made his top-level debut for Warrington Wolves in 2019 but struggled to establish himself.

Dean spent time on loan at York Knights, Dewsbury Rams, Newcastle Thunder, Featherstone Rovers and Castleford Tigers, where he took his Super League appearance tally to 14.

The Halifax native, who has represented Mackay Cutters and Oldham in recent years, has been backed to finally make his mark after earning another shot with Bradford.

"Riley is a good player and an exciting young pivot," said Haggerty.

"He's been lighting up the Championship and we’re a bit short in that position with injuries to Joe Keyes and Rowan Milnes so he adds value in there.

"He's had that experience at Super League level. He went away and studied the game a little bit in Australia and came back to Oldham and played some of his best rugby. It was an opportunity that became available to bring him in for the rest of the year and we jumped at it.

"It's now a big learning curve for Riley being back in full-time. It's on him a little bit to earn a contract moving forward.

"But ultimately I just want him to come in, work hard, have fun, enjoy the environment and show to Super League that he's a Super League player."

Dean has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, scoring nine tries in 13 games for high-flying Oldham.

The playmaker could make his Bradford debut at former club Warrington this Sunday.

"I'm buzzing to be here," said Dean.

"The lads and the coaching staff have been really welcoming. I have enjoyed my first session this morning (Wednesday) and hopefully I get selected for the weekend.

"It's clear the lads work hard for each other, which is obviously a great culture to have that the coaches have drilled into them. I'm really excited to be a part of that.

"There's some NRL experience and a lot of Super League experience so I just want to take as much information in as I can and build on my game."