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Page last updated at 07:13 GMT, Thursday, 4 September 2008 08:13 UK

Bradford sign Leeds prop Scruton

Nick Scruton
Prop Scruton will join the Bulls from Leeds next season

Bradford Bulls have signed Leeds prop Nick Scruton on a three-year contract and he will join the Super League club from next season.

England international Scruton, 23, has made 96 appearances for the Rhinos, including 25 in the current campaign.

"Nick is young, English and has got a great deal of ambition whilst he still has plenty of improvement in him," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara.

"Plus, he is tough and fit and a very vocal player."

I have been having sleepless nights trying to come up with the right decision

Nick Scruton

McNamara added: "He's someone who bases his game on his sheer love and enthusiasm for the sport and he is a great addition."

Scruton admitted he was reluctant to leave Leeds but hopes to end the season on a high by leading the Rhinos to the Grand Final.

"I have been having sleepless nights trying to come up with the right decision," said Scruton, who was out of contract at the end of the season.

"It is something I have thought long and hard about and spoke to my family about.

"We were talking with Leeds for a long time to try to come up with a deal but at the end of the day I have to sign the right deal for me.

"I love Leeds Rhinos and I have got lifelong friends at Leeds. I will be giving everything to try to retain that Grand Final and go out on a high."

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Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said that Scruton was a victim of the salary cap.

"It is always disappointing to lose someone we wished to keep and especially Nick, a local lad who has come through our academy," said Hetherington.

"But we are now in an age of freedom of contract and players choice. We have evolved a pay structure at the Rhinos which everyone understands and recognises but it is inevitable from time to time we will miss out."

see also
Vagana thanks Bradford supporters
26 Aug 08 |  Bradford
Vagana to retire at end of season
21 Aug 08 |  Bradford


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