Bradford Bulls have announced the signings of Hull FC duo Jay Pitts and Joe Arundel on loan deals.
Pitts, 24, formerly of Wakefield and Leeds, is a utility forward, while Arundel, 22, is a talented centre. Both players began training with their new team-mates this morning.
Bulls boss Francis Cummins said: “Jay and Joe are young, hungry and hugely talented individuals who we are extremely excited to have on board.
“I coached Jay at Leeds, so I know a fair bit about him, and Joe has a proven track record at this level. Both of them need to be playing in the sport’s top flight and we are pleased to be able to provide them with opportunities to do so.
“Jay will bolster our pack, as he has an ability to play in a number of different positions, while Joe provides much-needed competition in our three-quarter line. I am sure both of them are itching to get out there and we are excited about what they can bring to the team. Considering their ages, both Jay and Joe have an immense amount of Super League experience, which we believe will pay dividends for us on the weeks and months ahead.”
Hull coach Lee Radford said: “They’re down the pecking order at the moment at the club and at their age they need the opportunities to get games and play.
“The emergence of Dean Hadley in the back row has probably limited Jay’s opportunities in a position that is very competitive with the likes of Gareth Ellis, Joe Westerman, Chris Tuson, Richard Whiting and Jordan Thompson all able to play there.
“It’s a similar story for Joe at centre too. Young Ben Crooks has a very bright career ahead of him and we see him as having a long-term future for us in that position, whilst Kirk Yeaman has been consistently our strongest centre for a number of years. Whiting has also played in there a few times too this season.
“This is a good chance for them to show what they’re about and take the opportunity and I think they’ll be better for it.”
