Bulls swoop for Briggs

Bradford have signed Featherstone stand-off Kyle Briggs on a two-year deal as they prepare to sanction Matt Orford's departure.

Orford, who was the Bulls' marquee signing ahead of last season, suffered a shoulder injury midway through the campaign and has been in discussions with the club about securing an early release from his three-year contract. Once negotiations have been concluded, he is expected to sign for Australian side Canberra.

Briggs, 23, has been brought in by coach Mick Potter to give the Bulls increased options in the halves after playing a part in getting Featherstone to the Championship Grand Final last season.

"It came out of the blue and happened really quickly but it was an opportunity I just couldn't turn down," Briggs said. "To get the chance to join Bradford is fantastic and I'd like to thank Featherstone for agreeing to release me to join the Bulls.

"I'm sad to be leaving there but opportunities like this don't come round that often. I owe a lot to Daryl Powell and Ryan Sheridan at Featherstone. They've done wonders for me over the last couple of years."

Potter admitted Briggs would be given the chance to replace the departing Orford.

He said: "It's an opportunity for Kyle to show what he's got. He's a player who's been on Bradford's radar for a couple of years and it's a chance for him to get a start.

"There's a bit of a void to be filled. Even though we've got players to play stand-off, there's an opportunity for someone to step up and really secure it as their position."

Briggs will join Bradford's training camp in Lanzarote on Thursday.