Hull confirm Carvell return from Bulls

Gareth Carvell in a rare Bradford appearance.

The 32-year-old joined Bradford on a two-year contract from Warrington in the close season but played only one trial match for the Bulls before seeking a move.

Carvell, who made 164 appearances for the Airlie Birds from 2001-08 including two Challenge Cup finals and the 2006 Grand Final, returns to East Yorkshire on an initial one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.

Lee Radford has also included his other new signings, Mickey Paea, Feka Paleaaesina, Jordan Rankin, Fetuli Talanoa and Jordan Thompson, in his 19-man squad for his first game as head coach but former Wigan forward Chris Tuson is sidelined through injury.

The long-serving Richard Horne is vying with Jacob Miller as the half-back partner for Rankin.

Catalan coach Laurent Frayssinous has left out veteran Kiwi Brent Webb, with Morgan Escare preferred at full-back, and Damien Cardace is set to make his first Super League appearance for two years on the wing.

Another former New Zealand international, second rower Louis Anderson, remains on compassionate leave down under but the Dragons are set to give debuts to former Wigan prop Jeff Lima and Australian centre Ben Pomeroy.

Bradford have snapped up Warrington back-row forward Danny Bridge and are now on the lookout for a new prop following confirmation of Carvell’s move to Hull.

“He’s made his decision,” Bulls coach Francis Cummins said. “It’s disappointing but, if a player doesn’t want to be here, you have to move on.”