Wakefield Wildcats sign Paul Sykes on season-long loan from Bradford Bulls

Wildcats head coach Richard Agar has been keen on recruiting the versatile 30-year-old for a number of weeks and has finally got his man.

The former England and Great Britain player will have no recall option as part of the deal, can play in the Carnegie Challenge Cup and is eligible for selection for Saturday’s game at London Broncos.

“Paul’s not featured as much as he would have liked at Bradford and for us we think it’s an opportunity to bring in a player that will be a value to the squad,” Agar said.

“He’s a front line goal kicker and fills a number of positions, in positions that we’ve not got enormous depth in at the moment so we think he’ll be a really good addition the squad.”

Sykes has featured in Bradford’s last two Super League matches but didn’t play when the Bulls won at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium earlier in the season.

He started his professional career at Odsal in 1999 and he made his debut against Wakefield. A loan spell with London Broncos followed and he made that deal permanent, making 130 appearances before returning to Bradford in 2008.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Sykes.

“I’ve been limited at Bradford and not been able to get many games so hopefully I can get a few games at Wakefield and help them climb the ladder.

“I was a little bit limited last year too and I’ve only played twice this season so I just want to get playing and enjoying it again.

“There’s a lot of new players here but they seem to be starting to gel together and have had a couple of good wins. Hopefully I can help add to that.”

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