St Hilaire was part of the Leeds side that won the 1999 Challenge Cup

The 28-year-old had joined National League One side Halifax after being released by Huddersfield last season, but has now agreed a move to the Bulls.

Halifax will receive a nominal fee, and Bulls centre Richard Johnson will join them on a 12-month loan deal.

"We're getting a player who wants to prove he's still a Super League player," said Bulls coach Brian Noble.

"We are also getting a player who can cover all the outside back positions."

St Hilaire will not form part of Bradford's 20/20 register.

Super League clubs are only allowed to have a maximum of 20 players who earn more than �20,000 a year - the so-called 20/20 rule.

"We felt that we needed to strengthen the squad ahead of the season and we are delighted that Marcus has agreed to join us," added Noble.

This is a tremendous opportunity for me to prove that I am a Super League player Marcus St Hilaire

"He has a wealth of Super League experience behind him."

Halifax coach Anthony Farrell said he had weighed up the pros and cons for his club before allowing St Hilaire to leave. "In some ways it's disappointing, but I cannot stress enough that this would not have happened if we did not think it was in our best interests," said Farrell.

"Bradford had been interested in Marcus before he came here but for whatever reason they didn't pursue it. They came back and made an inquiry last week, and we struck a deal over the weekend.

"We've lost a good player but we've also gained a good player as well as freeing up a bit of money to spend elsewhere.

"Richard's quick, with good skills and exceptional footwork - and he has had the right kind of coaching for the last four years. Bradford rate him pretty highly, and I am sure he will be a good signing for us."

St Hilaire, who flew to Lanzarote on Sunday to join Bradford's pre-season training camp, is keen to show he can still play at the top level.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me to prove that I am a Super League player and there is no better club to do that at than the current Super League champions," he said.