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2026 Season Preview: Bradford Bulls
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The Bulls are back in Super League for the first time in 12 years. Their return to the top-flight marks a key milestone for one of the Super League’s most decorated clubs, capping a long and often difficult rebuild after a well-documented fall from grace.
Promotion was secured after Bradford finished as the highest-ranked Grade B side in IMG’s grading system, confirming their place among the elite once more.
Now, the Bulls can once again test themselves against the very best in the Northern Hemisphere — and judging by their dramatic overhaul of players and recruitment, they are returning with ambition, not just to make up the numbers.
? | Presenting... your 2026 Team Photo!#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/skHvg45bXr
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) January 17, 2026
Astute signings such as Andy Ackers, Ryan Sutton, Esan Marsters, Jayden Nikorima and many more will complement Bradford’s existing crop of talent. And new head coach Kurt Haggerty will be hopeful his side can confidently compete against the competition’s best, and cause a few upsets along the way.
? | The lads have 'enjoyed' a brutal session at Bradford Wrestling Club - outstanding effort and intensity shown.
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) November 28, 2025
? | Stay tuned for some of the best bits across social media!
? | Making every second of pre-season count. #RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/Iu8wW0GQao
Ins & Outs:
Ins: Andy Ackers (Leeds), Rowan Milnes (Hull KR), Ethan Ryan (Oldham), Jayden Nikorima (Salford Red Devils), Eribe Doro (Hull KR), Loghan Lewis (Salford Red Devils), Will Gardiner (Hull FC), Brandon Douglas (Halifax Panthers), Connor Wynne (Featherstone Rovers), Caleb Aekins (Featherstone Rovers), Ed Chamberlain (Hull FC – season-long loan), Dan Russell (Warrington), Ryan Sutton (Gold Coast Titans), Joe Mellor (Salford Red Devils), Esan Marsters (Salford Red Devils)
Outs: Chris Hill, Michael Lawrence, Jordan Lilley, Kieran Gill, Nathan Mason, Bayley Liu, Tom Holmes, Tyran Ott, Matty Gee, Jacob Bateman, Emmanuel Waine, James Meadows
? | Dusting off those cobwebs...#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/roN7ZGkfbQ
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) January 12, 2026
Who are the ones to watch?
Ryan Sutton returns to Super League following an up-and-down seven year stint in the NRL. He joins Bradford with a point to prove after enduring a difficult couple of years marred by injuries. A fully fit Ryan Sutton has the potential to be one of the elite front rowers in the competition and the leader of Bradford’s forward pack.
Former Salford duo Jayden Nikorima and Esan Marsters will be looking to form a formidable combination on Bradford’s right edge. The pair bring plenty of Super League and NRL experience to the newly promoted Bulls and can break a game open with their unpredictable running games.
Eribe Doro has returned to the Bulls full-time after spending a season with Hull KR last year. Doro found opportunities limited at the Robins during their treble winning season – resulting in him playing a handful of games for Bradford in the Championship – but made a lasting impression in the top flight when called upon. Expect hard, no-nonsense carries from the fearless front rower.
Who is the next generation?
Academy product Jamie Gill earned a new contract with the Bulls following their return to Super League. The hard-working forward made his first team debut against Featherstone last year after several loan spells in League One.
The 20-year-old Ireland international will be keen to prove himself and push for a Super League debut in 2026.
What are the defining dates?
A strong start will be crucial for the Bulls as they aim to prove their worth. An away day at Hull FC awaits them in Round 1.
Then, there's the obvious fixture that every rugby league fan will be circling – and that’s the return of the famous Leeds-Bradford Derby on Good Friday.
? | @SuperLeague's biggest derby returns to Bartercard Odsal Stadium on Friday 3rd April - with @leedsrhinos the visitors on Rivals Round!
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) November 26, 2025
? | Going to be a night to remember, Bulls fans! Further details to follow...#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/CaynZuasCG
There will be no love lost between the two old foes, as Odsal is set to be rocking. This is before their blockbuster meeting at Magic Weekend in July, in what will be their first Magic clash since 2012.
Bradford’s final three fixtures of the 2026 regular season see them take on the other two newly promoted sides, and Castleford Tigers, who ended 2025 second from bottom. If the competition pans out as predicted, all four of these teams could be fighting to avoid the wooden spoon, making the Bulls’ last three games hugely important.
What is the 2026 squad list?
1. Caleb Aekins, 2. Jayden Okunbor, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Waqa Blake, 5. Ethan Ryan, 6. Jayden Nikorima, 7. Rowan Milnes, 8. Ryan Sutton, 9. Andy Ackers, 10. Loghan Lewis, 11. Dan Russell, 12. Zac Fulton, 13. Joe Mellor, 14. Mitch Souter, 15. Eribe Doro, 16. Ebon Scurr, 17. Ed Chamberlain, 18. Joe Keyes, 19. Will Gardiner, 20. Brandon Douglas, 21. Sam Hallas, 22. Luke Hooley, 23. Connor Wynne, 24. Guy Armitage, 25. Eliot Peposhi, 26. Ronan Michael, 27. Alfie Leake, 28. Jamie Gill, 29. Cameron Bate, 30. Leon Ruan
? | New year, same energy!
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) January 1, 2026
? | Super League's waiting for the return of the Bulls, who's joining us?#RunWithTheBulls | ?? https://t.co/jY1YPFi3oT pic.twitter.com/tGpGqjRokv
What are the Bulls' first three games on SuperLeague+?
SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch the Bulls in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*
- Round 1: Hull FC v Bradford Bulls, Saturday 14 February (K.O. 5:30pm)
- Round 3: Bradford Bulls v Toulouse Olympique, Sunday 1 March (K.O. 3pm)
- Round 4: St Helens v Bradford Bulls, Saturday 7 March (K.O. 5:30pm)
*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Bulls match LIVE every week.
Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!
What are the Bulls' Betfred Odds?
Grand Final – 200/1
Regular season winner – 250/1
Top 6 finish – 8/1
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Waqa Blake 28/1
Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds
Where can I follow the Bulls on social media?
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The Bulls and 30 years of Super League:
Bradford were one of the 12 original clubs to participate in the inaugural 1996 season.
Despite spending more than a decade outside the top flight, the Bulls remain one of the most decorated clubs in Super League history. Their first title came in 1997 – just the competition’s second season and the final year before the Grand Final era began.
The early pioneers also won the treble in 2003, becoming the first team to do so in the Super League era.
From there, a dynasty followed. Bradford reached six Grand Finals, winning three, with their most recent appearance coming in 2005 when they overcame West Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos 15–6 at Old Trafford to lift the Super League trophy.
The early 2000s were defined by Bullmania. Friday nights under the Odsal lights became must-see occasions, fuelled by packed terraces and star-studded line-ups featuring the likes of Jamie Peacock, Leon Pryce, Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape and Robbie Paul.
Even as the club slipped from the summit, Bradford continued to produce elite talent. Sam Burgess, John Bateman and Elliot Whitehead all began their journeys at Odsal before going on to collect honours on both sides of the world — a lasting reminder of the Bulls’ enduring pedigree.
