Sam Hallas fulfils lifelong dream with Bradford Bulls after long road back to Super League

Bradford Bulls were a juggernaut on the field and quickly set the standard for how the new age should look, sound and feel.

Those glory days are still vivid for older fans but a generation has grown up without experiencing the Bulls at their peak.

For Sam Hallas, a boyhood supporter now living the dream in Super League, this season is a chance to create fresh memories for supporters old and new.

"I've been a Bradford fan for as long as I can remember – since the days of Valley Parade," said the 29-year-old.

"My earliest memory is having a video that I carried everywhere with me of Bradford hammering Leeds at Headingley in the early 2000s.

"I went to the World Club Challenges and still listen to 'Rockin' All Over the World'. If the six-year-old me could see where I am now, he would be pinching himself. I want to do myself and my family proud.

"My mum and dad took me here, there and everywhere as a kid. I remember them standing up at Kells in Cumbria freezing their heads off watching me. Hopefully now they get to see a boyhood dream come true.

"I know it has its critics but if we can get Odsal rocking, there aren't many better places in the sport."

Super League was a mere pipedream when Hallas first arrived at Odsal in 2017 following the club's liquidation.

Bradford started the season with a 12-point deduction and soon found themselves in League One.

"God that seems like a long time ago now," recalled Hallas.

"They were talking back then about getting Bradford back to where they belong. You always held out hope but the club were in disarray and you never knew what would happen with the changing criteria. We thought we had a chance with the squad we had the last few years but it never materialised.

"It's crazy to see where we are now. It is a good feeling but it'd be even better if I can get a few games under my belt this year."

Hallas' own journey has almost mirrored Bradford's rocky road back to Super League.

A product of Leeds Rhinos' academy, he had spells at Newcastle Thunder and Hunslet before arriving at Odsal for the third time.

Finally back where he started at the top level, Hallas is hoping to turn self-doubt into a chance to show his worth.

"I got written off early on when I went into Champ and League One, thinking that was my level," said the loose forward, who made three Super League appearances for the Rhinos in 2016.

"I started to believe that myself and that maybe I'd just be a Championship player for the rest of my career.

"I'm thanking my lucky stars that I've got an opportunity to see what I can do in Super League. Maybe I'm not good enough but the only way I'll find out is by playing.

"I came through as a middle at Leeds but didn't grow after the age of 13 so I'm still 5ft 9in and a half. It was a big man's world so I got moved to nine.

"It was a tough start there but I've learnt loads about myself and where I fit in the game. I've gone back to a middle-unit player who can play nine rather than a nine who can play middle. That suits me a bit more."

For the first time since his days at Leeds, Hallas has the advantage of a full-time environment following Bradford's recent switch.

The change required sacrifices from existing players but Hallas did not hesitate to leave his old life behind and chase his dream.

"The training is definitely tougher than being part-time," he said. "But it's easier than having to do a full day's work and then train afterwards.

"I was an asbestos surveyor during the day. It was a bit dull but it paid a bill. When the full-time opportunity arose, it was a bit of a no-brainer – both career-wise and financially.

"Alongside that, I've been training to be a financial advisor so it gives me more time to dedicate to that as well.

"The level of detail you can get into at training is a lot better. When you get older, you kind of think you've seen and heard most things but I'm learning a lot more about the game.

"It has been a long time. Hopefully when I get my chance, I take it."