Sykes joins Wakefield on loan

Wakefield have signed Bradford's former England centre Paul Sykes on loan for the rest of the season.

The 30-year-old Sykes, who was a member of England's 2008 World Cup squad, is contracted to the Bulls to the end of 2013, but has been largely out of favour for the last 18 months. He has played in the Bulls' last two matches, but the move has been in the pipeline for several weeks and is, therefore, unconnected to Bradford's urgent plea for survival cash.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Sykes. "I've been limited at Bradford and not been able to get many games so hopefully I can get a few games at Wakefield and help them climb the ladder."

He added: "I've only played twice this season so I just want to get playing and enjoying it again."

Wildcats coach Richard Agar said: "Paul's a front-line goalkicker and fills a number of positions, positions that we've not got enormous depth in at the moment, so we think he'll be a really good addition the squad."

Sykes could make his Wakefield debut against London Broncos at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday and, with Bradford having no right of a recall, will be eligible for Wakefield's Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at Leeds next month.