BATLEY BULLDOGS have made Nick Staveley their first new addition for 2027.

The former Hull FC forward spent this year with Goole Vikings, scoring five tries in 21 games.

That was the busiest season yet of a career which was derailed by an anterior cruciate ligament injury two years ago.

He left Hull, where he played eight first-team games, at the beginning of 2025 and joined Sheffield Eagles, but didn’t make an appearance there, finishing the campaign on loan at Goole before a permanent switch.

The 22-year-old now joins a Batley side which came tenth in the Championship in James Ford’s first season as coach, losing at the first stage of the play-offs.

As well as stalwart duo Alastair Leak and Lucas Walshaw retiring, the Bulldogs have released Ben White, Oliver Greensmith, Joe Burton and Luca Atkinson.