Official Shad Royston

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I'm ready for Super League, says latest Bradford Bulls recruit Royston
7:00am 18th September 2010
By Connor Murphy

Shad Royston today completed a move to the Bulls claiming: the time is right for my Super League shot.

The Aussie utility man will arrive on a one-year deal from neighbours Halifax after the Championship Grand Final determined to prove he can cut it in the top flight.

Despite emerging as one of the second tier’s most outstanding talents, Royston has never been given a chance at the highest level but remains undaunted by his Odsal switch.

“I didn’t have to think about it too much because going to a big club like Bradford is an easy decision,” said the 27-year-old.

“I feel I have been ready for a couple of years now. This year has probably been my best season. It’s the right time now.”

Named in this year’s Champ-ionship all-star team as the division’s top full back, Royston has been a driving force in Halifax’s push towards the Championship Grand Final.

An impressive support player and intelligent footballer, the former Queensland Schoolboys star has scored 103 tries in 102 appearances for the Shay side, including 30 during the current campaign.

Although he graduated through the ranks at NRL side Cronulla, Royston has spent his entire professional career in England following a move to Batley in 2004, which means he will not count towards the Bulls’ overseas quota, instead being classified as federation trained.

Also able to play at centre, wing, stand-off and loose forward, he will provide vital cover across the back-line next year.

He said: “I enjoy playing full back, it’s probably my preferred position, but I’m pretty happy as long as I’m playing where I can most help the team.

“I’m really excited about it. It’s a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I think Bradford will have a good year next year and it’s an exciting time to be part of the club.

“Speaking to the coaches and looking at what is happening, I get the feeling there is a buzz around the club at the moment.”

Bulls chairman Peter Hood added: “Shad has been a big success in Co-operative League and we feel he will add greatly to our squad depth for next season. He is a proven try scorer and his versatility will be a big asset to the Bulls.”

 

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New Bradford Bulls recruit Royston confident of taking step up in his stride

[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]New Bradford Bulls recruit Royston confident of taking step up in his stride
7:20am 4th December 2010
By Connor Murphy

Shad Royston reckons his game can hit new levels while running with the Bulls.

An off-season switch to Odsal has provided the Aussie utility with a long-awaited shot at first-grade football and he is determined not to disappoint.

Since graduating through the junior ranks at Cronulla Sharks, Royston has plied his trade exclusively in England’s lower divisions during spells with Batley, Doncaster and Halifax.

But following his starring role in Fax’s recent charge to Championship Grand Final glory, he was swiftly snapped up by Mick Potter as part of a rebuilt Bulls squad for 2011.

Long renowned as a shrewd support player, having scored an incredible 103 tries in 102 games at The Shay, the chance to run lines off top-level talent provides Royston with an exciting prospect.

He said: “My support play is one of my strong points, reading the game and working off other people.

“That’s one of the positives of stepping up a division and working with players that are going to get the ball out and promote it. I think it’ll work well with my game. It’s exciting.

“I’m thrilled to bits with this move to be honest. I’ve wanted the chance for a couple of years and I’ve got it, so it’s up to me now.

“I’ve got to make the most of it, train hard and do all the things I’m asked to do. I’m confident and everything’s been good so far.”

Royston linked up with his new team-mates a month ago but has suffered a frustrating time so far.

Off-season surgery has prevented him from playing an active role in pre-season preparations after a routine knee clear-out revealed the need for further work.

“It’s a great set-up here,” said Royston, who turned 28 last Monday. “It’s nice to be able to come to one venue and have everything here but I’ve seen a lot of the rehab room so far!

“I had a clear-out of my knee but they had to do a bit of microfracture surgery, where they drill into the bone and get the cartilage to heal up, so that adds a few weeks of recovery onto your time, which has been a bit frustrating.

“I’d like to be back with the team but it’s another couple of weeks yet so I’ve been doing a lot of indoor rowing and swimming. There’s been very little field work, just a bit of straight line running, nothing with the team.”

Patience should soon pay off, with Royston expected back in full training within a fortnight.

Capable of playing full back, centre, stand-off and loose forward, he is itching to see where he fits into Potter’s plans for the new season.

“You want to be with the team as much as possible,” he said. “You don’t feel like you’re in the group as much when you’re in rehab so it will be nice to get back as soon as possible, get used to how everyone’s playing and get new combinations working.”

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