BULLS SIGN YOUNGSTER BATE ON FIRST TEAM CONTRACT

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce we have fended off Super League interest to secure the services of Elite Academy starlet Cameron Bate on a professional contract initially until the end of the 2025 season.

The young forward has impressed when featuring heavily for both our Elite Academy and Reserves so far this year, scoring two tries in recent clashes with Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils. 

That form saw him capture the attention of a Top 4 Super League club much closer to home, but the 18-year-old has rejected a move, penning his first professional contract with the Bulls. 

Cameron Bate, who is sponsored by Moor Lane Service & MOT Centre, said: 

“I am pretty overwhelmed, it has all happened really quick and there has just been a whirlwind of emotions this past week. 

“I had to weigh up both options and they were both really good options in their own way, I started to talk with my family to see ultimately which one was the best for me. 

“Bradford showed me a clearer pathway to develop and we decided Bradford was the best place to be at the end of the day. Since I joined last year I have found the environment a really good place to be, the lads are good, the team is good and I am really enjoying my time here.” 

Elite Pathways Head Coach Jonathan Schofield, sponsored by Ideal Tiling Solutions, said:

“I was pretty emotional, it’s a big thing as a coach when a Super League club comes in for one of your players and makes an offer for him. I got a call from his dad to say he’s going to be committing his future to the Bulls which was great to hear, Cam is a second year Academy player and for him to see a future at this club is outstanding. 

“Credit has to go to all the staff, Ryan Hunkin our Head of Youth, Chris Stephens who is the Strength & Conditioning coach who’s helped him develop, Brendan Sheridan, Nathan Graham, they’ve all played a part and it is testament to Cam as he has worked hard and really developed in the last 10 months and I am delighted he is staying with us. 

“It is a real boost for us, we have got the mentality that whatever the player puts in, they will get out and if Lee Greenwood or Brian Noble say they like the look of a player and want to develop him that’s what we are here to do. We have got some good young talent coming through as we always have at this club and Cameron Bate is next in line.”