Championship: Bradford announce return of Brandon Pickersgill on loan

Bradford Bulls have announced full-back Brandon Pickersgill has returned to the club on a one-match loan deal from Championship leaders Featherstone.

He will go straight into the squad for this weekend’s match against Sheffield at the Olympic Legacy Park.

Having come through the academy ranks at the Bulls, the 25-year-old made his debut for the club back in 2017. He would make over 70 appearances for the club. He then became a regular in the full-back spot during the 2018 season, scoring 10 tries in 22 Championship appearances.

Following that season, he became a regular in the Bradford team until his move to Featherstone.

Whilst at the Rovers, he has made 11 appearances so far this season, scoring six tries. However, he has recently found game time a bit more difficult to come by following the signing of Mark Kheirallah.

The RFL are investigating an allegation of biting in the recent Championship match between Whitehaven and Batley.

Whitehaven forward Ryan King was placed on report for the incident. It occurred in the first half of the match at the Recreation Ground, which Batley won 46-6.

Bulldogs centre Josh Hodson made a formal complaint of biting, resulting in both captains being called over.

The RFL disciplinary report notes an area of redness was detected on Hodson’s arm, and the incident has now been referred for further investigation.

It was a busy week for the Match Review Panel following the double round of Championship fixtures.

A total of 14 sanctions were dished out, including three referrals to tribunal.

Midlands’ Benn Hardcastle was charged with a Grade D dangerous contact in their match against West Wales, while London Skolars’ Michael Greenhalgh also received a Grade D charge for punching to the head.

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