Bradford Bulls sign Featherstone stand-off Kyle Briggs

Briggs was Players' Player of the Year for Featherstone Rovers last season

Bradford Bulls have signed highly-rated young Featherstone Rovers stand-off Kyle Briggs for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old, who has signed a two-year contract, offers the Bulls options at stand-off, given the likely return of Matt Orford to Australia.

Bulls coach Mick Potter said: "There's a bit of a void to be filled.

"Even though we've got players to play stand-off, there's an opportunity for someone to step up and really secure it as their position," added Potter.

"It's an opportunity for Kyle to show what he's got.

"He's a player who's been on Bradford's radar for a couple of years and it's a chance for him to get a start."

Aussie half-back Orford has asked to be released from the last two years of his deal.

Bradford insist that they will only let him leave if compensation can be agreed, but there appears to be an obvious opening for Briggs, who started his career at Leeds.

Briggs, a key member of Featherstone's Grand Final squad last season, scored 376 points in 43 appearances.

Having penned a deal at Odsal that includes the option of a third year, he has become the Bulls' 11th close-season signing.

"It came out of the blue," he said. "It happened really quickly but it was an opportunity I just couldn't turn down. To get the chance to join Bradford is fantastic.

I am confident he is a player who can step up and have an impact at Super League level

Featherstone coach Darryl Powell

"I'd like to thank Featherstone for agreeing to release me to join the Bulls. I'm sad to be leaving there but opportunities like this don't come round that often.

"I owe a lot to Daryl Powell and Ryan Sheridan at Featherstone. They've done wonders for me over the last couple of years."

Rovers coach Powell, who brought Briggs to Featherstone from Doncaster in 2009, said: "I am delighted for him. He is a quality individual and I have been proud to see him develop within the club over the last two years.

"It is a great opportunity for him and I hope he will be able to take it. I am confident he is a player who can step up and have an impact at Super League level."