Gary Hetherington has revealed that Leeds Rhinos are "satisfied" with the settlement they have reached with Bradford over the Bulls' controversial capture of Iestyn Harris, above.
The arch rivals have been at loggerheads since the Bulls snapped up the ex-Leeds captain on his return from Welsh rugby union in 2004.
A High Court ruled two years ago that Leeds had first call on Harris, with the matter now finally resolved a
fter a four-year battle with Bradford paying an undisclosed sum in compensation and costs.
Rhinos chief executive Hetherington said: "Naturally, we are pleased with the outcome and the fact that the matter is now settled and laid to rest.
"Four years is a long time and we're delighted the matter has been concluded."
Hetherington, who refused to reveal the amount of compensation paid by Bradford, added: "Obviously, it's a figure we are satisfied with."
A Bulls statement added: "Bradford Bulls now accept that, although when they signed Mr Harris they believed that they were free to sign him and acted in good faith in doing so, they now appreciate that in fact Mr Harris was committed to sign for Leeds Rhinos at the time – and apologise to Leeds Rhinos for doing so.
"Bradford Bulls have also agreed to pay Leeds Rhinos appropriate compensation and costs."
Bradford have also issued an apology for comments made by chairman Peter Hood earlier this year in which he claimed the tug-of-war could cost Bulls over £3m if they lost another court case and that could have driven the Bulls to bankruptcy.
The statement continued: "Bradford Bulls also wish to make clear that the comments made by their chairman, Peter Hood, reported in the press at the end of January 2008, were not intended to give the impression that Leeds' claims against Harris and Bradford Bulls were motivated by anything other than the protection of Leeds Rhinos' interests."
Meanwhile, Rhinos star Gareth Ellis could be in line for a Carnegie Challenge Cup recall against Harlequins on Sunday.
Coach Brian McClennan admits it would be a "great boost" for his club's Wembley ambitions if he is passed fit to play in the fifth round tie.
The Great Britain forward has not played for Rhinos since injuring his ankle in the win over Warrington on April 11 – and in a bizarre turn of events Ellis discovered, while receiving treatment for that injury, he had also broken his thumb against Wigan the week before.
McClennan is not expecting any of his other long-term casualties to return at the weekend.
He said: "If we can get Gareth on the field, it will be a very big plus for us and a great confidence boost for my players."
The full article contains 458 words and appears in EP Wakefield newspaper.
