Stuart Reardon has brought his career full circle with a return to his former team Bradford, four years after his exit from the club.
Former GB full-back makes surprise return to home-town club
Utility back Stuart Reardon has brought his career full circle with a shock return to his home-town team Bradford, four years after his departure from the club.
The Bulls' signing rounds off a turbulent year for the 28-year-old former Great Britain full-back in which he was axed by two clubs, admitted assault and bounced back from a career-jeopardising Achilles tendon injury.
Reardon, who was a free agent after being released by Warrington last year, was linked to a move to Celtic Crusaders - managed by his former Bulls coach Brian Noble - before he confirmed the Bradford deal.
"I'm really looking forward to joining Bradford," said Reardon. "It's my home-town club and I'd like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to resume my career."
Award
Reardon joined Bradford in 2003 following a short stint at Salford and went on to win the Harry Sunderland Award as man of the match in Bulls' Grand Final victory over Wigan in one of his 78 appearances for the club.
He was signed with Warrington for the 2006 season but was axed last year following his court appearance alongside former Bradford team-mate Leon Pryce, where he was given a 12-week suspended sentence for assaulting his estranged wife Kay.
Reardon joined Hull FC in April but failed a medical on his Achilles injury and his short-term contract was consequently cancelled by the club 11 days later.
Reardon, who won five caps for Great Britain in 2004, has been out of action since May last year, but has passed his medical at Odsal and penned a one-year deal.
"Everybody knows the quality of Stuart Reardon as a player and his ability to break tackles and get the ball over the tryline," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara.
"We're very excited to have him and Stuart is just as excited to be here.
"When he left Bradford Bulls he was still a young boy in a side surrounded by senior players.
"Now he is coming back as a senior player and we are very confident in his ability to be a fantastic player for us again."
