Bradford lands L'Estrange

The Bradford Bulls have signed Manly Sea Eagles hooker Heath L'Estrange to replace outgoing former Great Britain international Terry Newton.

The 24-year-old L'Estrange, who was a member of Manly's Grand Final-winning team last season and helped the Sea Eagles to victory over Leeds in the World Club Challenge, will join the Bulls for 2010 on a two-year contract.

Bulls coach Steve McNamara said: "Heath's a quality hooker and a quality person."

"Obviously, he's a replacement for Terry Newton and I'm excited by what he can provide for us when he gets over here."

"He's another Grand Final winner and he's still only 24 so he's at the perfect age and I'm excited about him coming to the Bulls."

"I think Heath and Wayne Godwin will complement each other really well and I think he'll be very good for us on and off the field."

L'Estrange, who previously played for the Sydney Roosters, will join his Sea Eagles team-mate Glen Hall, a prop forward, at Odsal next season.

"Bradford's a great club and I can't wait to get there," he said. "Both myself and Glen Hall have talked about it and we both feel the same. Hopefully we can help get the winning culture back there."

Newton, whose contract is up at the end of the season, is set to join Wakefield on a two-year deal.