Bulls deny Harris move

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Monday 7th Jun 2004.

Bradford Bulls have denied doing a deal with former Leeds Rhinos star Iestyn Harris.

The club were forced into making a statement today after Welsh Rugby Union defence coach Clive Griffiths said Harris was returning to rugby league with the Bulls.

Bulls media and football manager Stuart Duffy said: "It is all pure speculation as far as we are concerned, and we have no further comment to make."

Harris has served notice of his decision to invoke a clause in his complex contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues to switch back to the 13-a-side code.

His contract apparently states Leeds Rhinos have first refusal on Harris if he returns to rugby league. However, salary cap constraints mean the Rhinos will probably allow him to sign for someone else.

Some reports suggest Harris has already agreed a four-year deal with the Bulls, worth £800,000 to begin on July 1.

Griffiths said the Bulls had won the race to sign the 27-year-old stand off.

Griffiths first had the player under his wing when Harris arrived at Warrington rugby league club as a 15-year-old and knows him better than anyone in Welsh rugby.

"Rugby league has been in Iestyn's blood since he was knee high, but once he had signed for rugby union in Wales, there was always the clause in his contract that said he would return to league," said Griffiths. "The fact that he has now foregone the ultimate dream to get on that British Lions tour to New Zealand next summer shows he is determined to make a second go of it in league.

"I have no doubt he will do that. He has played on the biggest stage in the World Cup and acquitted himself very well as far as I am concerned."

Griffiths added: "I spoke to Iestyn before we came to Argentina and think he is looking forward to his future now. There is a weight off his shoulders and I am sure there will be a few people watching Bradford now. They will be intrigued at how Iestyn will do on his return."

Wales coach Mike Ruddock said: "We are not surprised, but we are disappointed by Iestyn's decision.

"I had a quick chat to Iestyn a while back and he seemed to indicate to me that he would be trying for a British Lions spot. Obviously something convinced him not to try for that. Whatever it is we respect it and we wish him well."

A major stumbling block for the Bulls if they were to show an interest in signing Harris would be their own salary cap structure, and at least one player may have to be offloaded in order to satisfy restrictions.

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