Sykes was a product of the Bradford academy

The 26-year-old has been released from the final two years of his contract with Quins, to make his return to Odsal after a lengthy absence.

Sykes, who made his Great Britain debut earlier this season, left the Bulls on loan in 2002 to find first-team rugby.

"I'm ready for a fresh challenge and I'm hoping to move back north to win some silverware," said Sykes.

"Bradford are always challenging and I'm glad I'm going to be a part of that.

"A lot has changed at Bradford since the first time around and I think there's only Paul Deacon and Jamie Langley still there.

"Also, my girlfriend has just given birth to our first child and we want to be closer to our family."

The Bulls paid an undisclosed fee for Sykes, who will be a replacement for Australia-bound Ben Harris.

Bradford coach Steve McNamara said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have secured an outstanding English centre.

"There's a dearth of English centres in the competition but Paul is on the fringes of the Great Britain squad."

Quins coach Brian McDermott also paid tribute to Sykes's contribution at The Stoop.

"'Paul came to the club as a fringe player from Bradford and under the guidance of Tony Rea has developed into one of the best strike centres in the game," he said.

"His progression from reserve standard to a full GB cap is testimony to Paul and the coaching staff over the years.