THEY may have been out of Super League for more than a decade, but the pull of the Bradford Bulls is still as strong as ever.
That’s according to Bradford’s chief executive Jason Hirst, who has been of the key figures in the West Yorkshire club’s revival and rejuvenation in recent years.
With Super League expanding to 14 teams in 2026, the Bulls were expected to be in the mix, but their placing of tenth in the IMG grading list took a number of people by surprise.
After delicate work behind the scenes, however, the Bulls are well-placed to not just make up the numbers in the top flight next season.
An impressive recruitment drive, epitomised by the capture of NRL forward Ryan Sutton and established Super League stars such as Andy Ackers, Rowan Milnes, Jayden Nikorima and Joe Mellor, should not be underestimated.
And Hirst believes that the Bulls’ reputation is still strong for players on both sides of the world.
“There are one or two more signings to be expected ahead of the season opener on 14th February,” Hirst said.
“We managed to sign Ryan Sutton and other impressive players for a number of reasons.
“The Bulls name and aura still carries huge weight for many, many players, both here in the UK and overseas.
“That is made abundantly clear to Kurt (Haggerty, Bradford head coach) and I when we speak with potential signings and their agents.
“The fact remains that we’re one of only five Super League clubs to ever win the competition, not to mention our three World Club Champions triumphs.
“Equally though, they recognise the progress we’ve made these last three and a half years, on and off the field and the huge potential our club has.
“We’re a huge club running eight teams alongside our club’s charitable marketing arm, the Bradford Bulls Foundation.
“Our potential is huge, but we’ve still got a lot of hard and smart work to do if we’re to fully reach it. That continues to be our collective aim.”