Richie Mathers comes out of retirement to play for Bradford Bulls
Thursday 28 January 2016 17:55, UK
Former Leeds and Warrington full-back Richie Mathers is to come out of retirement to play for Championship club Bradford.
The 32-year-old announced his decision to end his playing career last September, just two weeks after being given a six-month ban for breaking the rules on betting.
Mathers subsequently took up a job as player welfare manager at Warrington, where he was a Challenge Cup winner, and will combine that role with a part-time 12-month contract with Bulls under head coach James Lawes.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge," said Mathers, who also played for Gold Coast Titans, Wigan, Castleford, Wakefield and London Broncos.
"Speaking to Jimmy and how he wants me to play in the side, I think my experience will be key to the role.
"The experience is something that you earn over time and I'm really looking to getting going with the boys.
"Jimmy sees me as bringing a very specific set of specialist skills to the side in terms of organising the defensive line.
"I will also be complementing the squad as it looks to achieve its goals."
Bradford chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul feels Mathers will be a welcome addition to the side.
"Richie Mathers brings a wealth of knowledge to a key position in the spine of the team," he said.
"He's played in the NRL and Super League and Challenge Cup finals, in a position that demands expertise.
"He will offer structure and direction from the back of the field during matches, while also having the ability to find the try line when working within the Bulls' attacking system."
