Bulls’ Welham targets Super League return after leaving Hull KR

The England Knights centre, 28, has agreed a two-year deal with the Championship outfit following his release from Hull KR.

Having scored 102 tries during eight years at Craven Park, and featuring in the Challenge Cup final in August, it came as a surprise to some that the experienced Welham was allowed to leave by head coach Chris Chester.

However, he is relishing kick-starting his career at Odsal and said: “Bradford is a great club with plenty of history and they need to be back in the Super League.

“If I can help with my experience to do that then that’s part of the job that I’ll bring to the club.

“Ultimately, Bradford and I have both got the same goal and hopefully this is the year we’re going to do it.”

The Championship saw more star talent enter its ranks last night too when Featherstone Rovers announced they had captured former Leeds Rhinos and England prop Darrell Griffin on a two-year deal from Salford Red Devils.

The 34-year-old links up once more with head coach Jon Sharp, who initially signed him for Huddersfield Giants from Wakefield Trinity in 2007.

Castleford Tigers have secured young full-back/half-back Ryan Hampshire on a season-long loan from beaten Grand Finalists Wigan Warriors.

Hampshire, who hails from Wakefield amateur club Normanton Knights, has played 25 Super League matches for Wigan but has found games hard to come by of late.

Wigan have allowed Hampshire, 20, to switch clubs but they will be able to recall him if any of their full-backs or half-backs do suffer injuries.

Castleford coach Daryl Powell said: “I’m delighted Ryan has agreed to join us, in what is a crucial year in the team’s further development.

“He will provide great competition at half-back and full-back. His speed and elusive qualities will really add to our team’s attacking threats.”