Fielden signs five-year deal to stay at Bradford

The Great Britain prop, Stuart Fielden, has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at Bradford Bulls until the end of the 2007 season.

Fielden, 23, who starred in the recent Test series against New Zealand and was named in the World XIII, had attracted interest from clubs on both sides of the world.

The Bradford coach, Brian Noble, said: "It has been an ambition of mine to secure his signature and I am delighted that he has committed himself to the club for the next five years.

"He was a much sought-after commodity on a world-wide front and the club has moved mountains to retain his services.

"I have known him since he was 15-years-old and he has developed into a truly world-class player. It is very exciting to know we have him playing for us for the next five years."

Fielden, who signed for the Bulls from Halifax amateur club Illingworth in 1998, said: "Bradford are the best club in the game and I feel that we are moving forward in the right direction.

"The decision to commit myself until 2007 gives me stability and the opportunity to continue the progress I have made since I joined the club as a junior."