England Knights international Luke Gale has signed a two-year extension at Bradford Bulls amidst speculation of a last-minute Hull FC switch.
The 26-year-old is tied down to the Bulls until 2016 now.
“The club have been very supportive of me and I wanted to return the faith they have had in me,” he said.
“They’ve been loyal to me and now I want to show my loyalty to them. I’m delighted and excited to have extended my contract.
“The board of directors that are in now place and Francis are great and will take this club forward. We can put the uncertainty aside and be excited for the first game of the season.
“We’ve got to take every game as it comes but we have a good squad here and we are looking forward to getting the season started.
“I have ambitions to play for England and playing here will help me to achieve those ambitions. I want to make Steve McNamara sit up and take notice of me and I’ve got to do that through my performances. I can’t wait to get started.”
Coach Francis Cummins said: “This deal means a lot for the team, the main thing being that our main playmaker has extended his contract which is tremendous to see considering what we’ve been through and also the commitment he is showing to the club and his teammates is huge.
“Luke had an up and down season last year and had a lot of injuries early on but just seeing the change in him in the last 12 months both physically and mentally is incredible, he is ready for this season to start.
“He has being playing for England Knights which shows to me that he is held in high regard in this sport and he has a bright future ahead of him.
“The rumours have been unsettling for us, it’s being a rollercoaster but with Adam Sidlow extending his contract and now Luke doing the same, that’s a massive vote of confidence for everyone at the club and what we are trying to do.”
