Rugby League: Paul `rejected bigger offers' to join brother

Dave Hadfield
Tuesday 08 September 1998 18:02 EDT
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HENRY PAUL has turned down bigger offers from other clubs in order to play with his brother for the Bradford Bulls.

The elder Paul, who decided last week to leave Wigan after four years, will play alongside his brother, Robbie, at Odsal after agreeing a three- year contract with Bradford.

"Henry did receive better offers from other clubs, but his desire to play with his brother and to play in front of the fabulous Bulls' supporters were major factors in his decision to join the Bulls," said David McKnight, the agent shared by the siblings.

The two have played together for New Zealand, but have never appeared in the same club side. Henry, two years the elder at 24, is expected to play stand-off outside Robbie next season in a half-back combination that has the potential to be the most exciting in the game.

"I am delighted to have him on board for next year. It is all part of the plan to make sure that this club remains successful," said the Bradford coach, Matthew Elliott, as the signing was announced yesterday.

The reigning Super League Champions have lost five of their last six games and are not certain to qualify for the play-offs, but the prospect of the Paul brothers in tandem is calculated to mollify any disillusionment among Bradford fans.

"Whilst results this season have been disappointing, our decision to sign Henry Paul is proof of our intention to remain at the head of the game," said the Bulls' chairman, Chris Caisley, who had earlier insisted the Wigan player was not on their list. Paul still has his Wigan commitments to complete before he can join Bradford and has pledged to maintain his form as Wigan chase the Bulls' title.

Halifax have received a boost for the play-offs with the news that Martin Moana could make a quick recovery. The loose forward from New Zealand missed Sunday's victory over Sheffield and was thought to be out for the season after suffering a hairline fracture of his forearm. But Moana is already out of plaster, will train later this week and could play against Salford on Sunday week.

The game's trade union has split in two, with the Rugby League Players' Association coming out from under the umbrella of the GMB and setting up an independent company. The GMB intends to continue representing players, which could lead to a recruitment battle between the two organisations.

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