Mike Worrincy will join the NRL’s growing English contingent after today completing a move to Penrith Panthers.
The back-rower has penned a one-year deal with the Sydney-based club after Bradford agreed to release him from the final year of his contract.
Although Worrincy only recently signed the 12-month extension, the club decided not to stand in his way once an opportunity arose to link up with the Panthers, who are coached by former Bulls boss Matt Elliott.
In heading down under, the 24-year-old follows in the footsteps of former
Odsal team-mate
Sam Burgess, who joined South Sydney Rabbitohs in a blockbuster deal last year.
England star Gareth Ellis has been an overwhelming success at Wests Tigers, where he plays alongside another ex-Bull in Mark Flanagan, and Worrincy is hopeful the switch can have a positive effect on his career.
“It’s a good opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing how they do things,” he said.
“I’ve got some good friends at Bradford and I’ll leave with a bit of sadness but I’ve got a chance to go over there and better myself as a player.
“I’ll meet new people from different walks of life and get involved with a different approach to the game.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Matty Elliott and he’s just keen for me to go there and have a go. If I put in the work, he’s told me he’ll give me my chance.”
A product of the Harlequins academy, Worrincy joined the Bulls ahead of the 2009 season and went on to score 13 tries in 50 appearances for the club.
“Opportunities for players from this federation to test themselves in the NRL don’t come along very often,” said Bulls chairman Peter Hood.
“So when Michael got his chance we certainly didn’t wish to stand in his way. We thank Michael for his efforts and wish him the very best of success down under.”
The departure of the athletic back-rower, coming hot on the heels of Danny Sculthorpe’s exit earlier this week, frees up room under the salary cap for Bradford to further strengthen their squad.
Ten new faces have arrived already but coach Mick Potter’s recruitment drive continues, with a new stand-off still the priority.
Hood also refused to rule out a move for disgraced former Australian Test star Joel Monaghan, who resigned from Canberra Raiders on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old outside back is seeking a move to Super League in the wake of an off-field scandal and early favourites for his signature, Harlequins and Huddersfield, have already ruled themselves out of the running.
Hood said: “It’s a question for Mick Potter when he starts work on Monday. But the club is always interested in quality players, no matter where they may be.”
If the Bulls were to make a move for Monaghan, they would need to make space on their overseas quota, with Brett Kearney, Heath L’Estrange, Glenn Hall, Marc Herbert and Patrick Ah Van already on board for 2011. Of those, Hall has previously been linked with a move to Castleford.
