Bradford Bulls release Dave Halley from contract

Halley suffered a serious knee injury last September

Bradford have released Dave Halley from the last five months of his contract to join Championship One side Keighley.

Full-back Halley has only recently returned from a knee reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Bradford are counting the cost of last Friday night's 18-12 win over Leeds at Headingley, having lost forward Ian Sibbit with a broken thumb.

Sibbit will miss the next five matches, while fellow back rower Jamie Langley could be out for a fortnight after rolling his ankle late in the game.

Sibbit sustained the injury early in the game before playing on with the aid of an injection. But a visit to a specialist on Thursday morning confirmed the break.

"I am very disappointed with the injury news," said Bulls coach Mick Potter. "Sib was in great form at Headingley and showed his courage and commitment by staying on throughout the game with the injury.

"It is a blow to the player, as it is for Langers, who was immense for us last week."

As for Halley, who has been playing in the Bulls' Under-20s since returning from surgery, he admits that he simply wants needs to be playing again: "Having been given the medical all clear, I need regular first team rugby.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at Odsal but am excited by the new challenges ahead."

Halley, who joined his hometown club as a teenager, went on to score 24 tries in 80 appearances.