Centre Sykes returns to Bradford

[~lee~]

bbc.co.uk


Harlequins centre Paul Sykes has confirmed his expected move to Bradford for next season on a two-year contract.
The 26-year-old has been released from the final two years of his contract with Quins, to make his return to Odsal after a lengthy absence.

Sykes, who made his Great Britain debut earlier this season, left the Bulls on loan in 2001 to find first-team rugby.

"I'm ready for a fresh challenge and I'm hoping to move back north to win some silverware," said Sykes.

"Bradford are always challenging and I'm glad I'm going to be a part of that.

"A lot has changed at Bradford since the first time around and I think there's only Paul Deacon and Jamie Langley still there.

"Also, my girlfriend has just given birth to our first child and we want to be closer to our family."

The Bulls paid an undisclosed fee for Sykes, who will be a replacement for Australia-bound Ben Harris.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have secured an outstanding English centre.

"There's a dearth of English centres in the competition but Paul is on the fringes of the Great Britain squad."

[~lee~]

Im sure he'll do a good job for Bradford but there's just something about him i dont like. I didnt think he had a good game for GB.

Who do you think Quins will replace him with?

[quins rl]

Im sure he'll do a good job for Bradford but there's just something about him i dont like. I didnt think he had a good game for GB.

Who do you think Quins will replace him with?
Personally im gutted at losing Syko,hes been top notch for us,going from Bulls fringe player to England/GB player,solid rather than spectacular,good defence and good kicker,once his partner had a baby(she had stayed up north) it was always on the cards.Quins have signed Henry Faafilli from Warrington,he may well slot into the centres although he is predominantly a winger.With Sykes going,Tryone Smith going to union,Lee Hopkind retirng,David Mills going back to Widnes and all the uncertainty over chairman Ian Lenegans takeover at Wigan,i would say Quins are in for a tough off-season in terms of building a squad for next season,they appear to have missed the boat with the pick of the imports and with the cost of living in London/South east it gets harder to attract ant top British stars to the club.Crowds have nose-dived as well,but this is all part and parcel to Quins/London Broncos fans who go through the same crap every season!!:mad: