Crossley leaves Castleford to rejoin Bulls

Crossley joined Tigers from Featherstone Rovers in the off-season on a two-year deal and has made six Super League appearances this term, including as a substitute in last weekend’s defeat at Widnes Vikings.

He said: “After discussions over the past few days I’m happy to be heading back to my home town club.

“My appearances at Castleford had become limited and game time, when picked, was very short.

“I had initially set out to make a loan move to pick up my match fitness and game time but the opportunity arose to make a permanent move back to Bradford.

“I’d like to wish everyone at Castleford, the fans, the coaches, the staff and the players all the best for the rest of the season and thank them all for my time at the club.”

Of Bulls he added: “This is where I truly belong. This is the club I want to settle down at and play my rugby for.

“I have come back home and I will do anything to make the Bulls as successful as possible.”

Tigers coach Daryl Powell confirmed: “Steve has found it tough to consistently pin down a place in our first team during the first half of the season and obviously wants to play more rugby.

“Bradford came up as an opportunity for him and I would like to wish him all the best for his future career.”

Crossley could make his second Bulls debut on Sunday, against Doncaster in the Kingstone Press Championship.

Bulls coach James Lowes said: “Steve is a solid prop-forward with Super League experience and he never really wanted to leave Bradford.

“Things weren’t happening for him at Castleford but he is a strong ball-carrier and certainly adds some great competition to our front row.

“Whatever happened between him and Castleford is their business, but he wasn’t happy there and we got an opportunity to bring him back here.

“When good players become available you have to put yourself in a position to be able to act upon it. I am pleased to say we have done that.

“I see Steve joining us as a big step forward for both him and the club.”