BRADFORD BULLS might have parted company with Kiwi powerhouse Franklin Pele, who is moving into French rugby union, but his fellow prop Nathan Mason is targeting a run of games as he bids to get his career firmly back on track.
The 31-year-old former Huddersfield player had a taste of life with the Bulls during a short loan spell back in 2023.
After his second stint at the Giants ended and he had spent time in Australia (with Corrimal Cougars in the Illawarra Rugby League), Mason returned to Bradford midway through last season, penning an 18-month deal.
The former London Broncos and Leigh man, who has also had loan stints at hometown club Oldham, Batley, Sheffield, Halifax and Wakefield, knew he had to work to increase his fitness.
And he says coach Brian Noble, his assistant Lee Greenwood and head of strength and conditioning Nick Botten have all played a part in sharpening him up.
After three outings in 2024, Mason played his sixth match of this year – and claimed his side’s fifth and final try – as Sheffield were beaten 32-20 at Bartercard Odsal for a fifth straight Bulls win.
He had previously faced the Eagles in the 1895 Cup quarter-finals, when Bradford’s 36-20 home victory set up Sunday’s big semi-final showdown at York.
“When I signed last year, I knew it was down to me to prove I can still play at a good standard,” he said.
“Brian and Lee have invested time in me alongside Nick with my fitness, and it is starting to show. Now it is about being consistent and starting to get better each week.”
