The 26-year-old full-back is a product of the Bulls’ pathway systems, featuring at scholarship and academy level in the red, amber and black prior to his departure in 2017.
His return to the club has been fruitful, scoring a try in Bradford’s monumental 12-8 victory at Halifax on Good Friday.
And although it’s down to Castleford to decide whether Hooley returns to the club after his loan spell at Bradford comes to an end next month, the full-back has hinted that he’d like to stay on board with the Bulls.
Speaking prior to the Oldham game, he said: “There’s a lot going around about my future but ultimately, before I came to Bulls, I hung around at Castleford to see if I would get my shot in the side.
“I’m 27 this year, so I can’t hang around much longer as I’m not an 18-year-old kid anymore.
“I just wanted to play, so after five weeks of waiting around for an opportunity, I spoke to the club about a loan move so that I could play. Playing on a weekly basis brings the enjoyment back for any player.
“I’ve been in the Super League for two seasons now and it has been tough for me and very inconsistent, so as long as I’m playing then I’m happy.
“Whether that means I go back to Cas next month and get a shot there, then happy days. If not, I’d love to stay and enjoy it here and see what happens.”
He added: “If everything is right on both sides and everyone is happy, then I’d be happy to stay here for the rest of the season and see what happens in the future.
“Ultimately, my goal now is to get as many wins as possible in the two months that I’m here and then we’ll have a clearer picture about my future after that.”
Reflecting on his seamless return to Bulls, Hooley admitted: “The transition has been good, and it’s been very easy to fit in.
“The lads are such an easy bunch to get on with and there are no egos here, despite there being some big names within the group.
“Everyone is on the same wavelength and we’re all working towards the same goals, so it’s very enjoyable being here.”
Despite being a loan player, Bulls fans are really warming to Hooley and were heard singing chants about the full-back being “one of their own” at Halifax on Good Friday.
The Bradford loanee admitted that he’s enjoying his relationship with the ardent Bulls faithful.
He said: “It’s a nice feeling (hearing those chants); there’s no denying that. It’s nice to be accepted straight back in and ultimately the fans like me too.
“I know it can be strange with loan deals, and you don’t really know what you’re going to get, but you have to be performing well. I feel like my performances have been alright but there’s still a lot more to give.”
