Impressive L’Estrange happy to stay longer with Bulls

The capture of the ex-Manly player is a significant boost for the Odsal club given he has been one of their most consistent operators during a difficult couple of seasons since his arrival from the NRL.

L’Estrange, 26, said: “I’m very relieved that it’s done now.

“We’ve wanted to get this done since the start of the year – both parties, myself and Bradford – and now we’ve come to the agreement I’m so happy to be here for the next three years.

“Bradford is the only club I want to play for and everything has worked out really well.”

While former Manly colleagues Matt Orford and Glenn Hall failed to make any impact last year, both making swift departures back to Australia, L’Estrange has been a relative success.

Bradford coach Mick Potter believes there is more to come from the player who won a Grand Final with Manly in 2008.

“It’s pleasing to have Heath on board for the next three years,” he said.

“He’s still only 26 so he’s got a lot of rugby league left in him yet.

“He adds some really good things to the team.

“He gets us over the advantage line, defends well, is strong, enthusiastic and talks well. All the things you’d want from someone in that position.”

Hull KR’s promising forward Scott Taylor has signed a new two-year deal at Craven Park, ending growing speculation that he would be on his way to one of their Super League rivals.

The rugged prop, 20, has come through the Robins’ academy structure to establish himself in Justin Morgan’s squad this season.

He featured in Sunday’s derby success over Hull FC and has won plenty of plaudits for his determined style.

“Scott has got a lot of potential,” said Morgan.

“He’s got a really great work ethic for improving his game and he’s got a thirst for knowledge.

“He’s still only 20 but he’s impressed me this year with his maturity on the training field and he has done well in the first team appearances he has made.”

Taylor’s team-mate Jason Netherton has been cautioned for an offence committed during his side’s match with local rivals Hull FC on Sunday.

He was placed on report for a tackle made on Mark O’Meley during the match, where he appeared to apply unnecessary pressure on his opponent’s arm, and has been warned about his technique.

n A National Anti-Doping Panel has suspended Barrow Raiders prop Brett McDermott for two years after he was found guilty of breaching the RFL’s anti-doping regulations.