LILLEY EXTENDS BRADFORD STAY
Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Jordan Lilley has signed a new three-year deal – extending his stay at the club until at least the end of 2026!
The 26-year-old first arrived at Odsal Stadium on a loan deal from Leeds Rhinos in 2017, before eventually making his stay permanent in 2019 and swiftly becoming a favourite on the terraces.
Starring at half-back, hooker and full-back in recent weeks, Lilley has proved an influential figure in the club’s push towards the top four and was instrumental in the 42-6 victory over Batley Bulldogs yesterday afternoon.
Jordan has spoken of his delight, highlighting the supporters as a major part of his reason to stay, alongside hearing the vision of the club moving forward.
“I am delighted, everyone can see how much I love this club and love being here, it is something I wanted to get across the line for a while now and we finally have so it’s very positive,” said Lilley, who is sponsored by 39 Steps Consulting.
“Me and my family are delighted to be staying, it is somewhere that is very close to me, I love the fans, players, staff and ultimately with Eamon, Lee and Nobby [Brian Noble], with whom I’ve built a relationship with, I want to build as a player, I feel I have loads more to offer and my game is only going to get better here.
“We have made some good signings and continue to make them, the vision when I spoke to Eamon, Lee and Nobby regarding how they want us to play, where they see me playing, it fit in line with how I see it and how I want to play.
“The effort and desire to push Bradford towards Super League is something that keeps me here for the next 3 years, that is the ultimate goal and I wouldn’t have signed if that wasn’t the ambition, that is my burning desire and I will do everything I can and hopefully we can do it.
“The fans are massive and people take it for granted, the support we have is unbelievable, the fans are one of the reasons I have signed the three-year deal, I love what the deal offers and with the fans, they are massive for the lads.”
Eamon O’Carroll said:
“We are delighted to retain a player of Jordan’s quality. He is a well-respected member of the squad and over the next 3 years he will play a really pivotal role in what we do on and off the field.
“After speaking to Jordan on a number of occasions it’s clear he has a deep knowledge of the game, a love for our club and a team-first attitude having played a number of positions when needed.
“I look forward to working with him and the rest of the staff in helping him secure a pivotal role in our spine.
“This is a hugely important retention for us, the work Jason, Nobby and Lee [Greenwood] have done to get this done has been outstanding and I thank them for their efforts.”
Chief Executive Jason Hirst said:
“The club are delighted to announce the re-signing of another fan’s favourite, Jordan Lilley on a 3-year contract. The length of the contract signifies our ambition and what an integral and influential role we see Jordan having on the field of play.
“Although there was a degree of competition from other Yorkshire sides, both Jordan and the club were clear and determined all along in our desire to extend his stay with the Bradford Bulls. We both recognised that we were the standout club in terms of matching Jordan’s ambitions, providing him and his family with security and generally continuing to make them feel welcomed and looked after.
“As well as being a talented player, Jordan exudes enthusiasm and passion each and every time he pulls on a Bulls’ shirt. Those qualities and in particular, his 100% effort each and every match, typify what this club is all about and what our loyal fan base and Board of Directors expect to see i.e. hard work and pride in the shirt, leading to success. In that regard, Jordan is a real leader.
“Jordan will be 27 by the time his new contract kicks in, so to secure his services for at least another 3-years, during the likely prime of his career, is a real statement of intent, as we step by step, look to return the club to Super League at the earliest opportunity.
“To that end, the greatly appreciated fans’ support of Jordan, his teammates and the club remains vitally important as we target a home play-off place and a successful conclusion to this season.”