Bulls sign Connell for 2027

Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of Nathan Connell on a two-year deal from the start of the 2027 season. 

The 23-year-old made his senior debut at Salford in 2024 before going onto make 25 appearances prior to signing for the Vikings.

At Widnes, Connell, who has featured primarily at full-back but can play across the back line, has emerged as one of the stand-out talents in the Betfred Championship, scoring 20 tries in just 27 appearances. 

Nathan Connell said:

“I’m buzzing to get back into Super League which was obviously my goal. The club has got a lot of history, so to be a part of that, it will be something special for myself and I can’t wait to get going.

“The year at Widnes has been great personally and collectively as a team but I want to get back into that full-time environment, really challenge myself and push myself out of my comfort zone to develop even more as a player and that’s what the full-time environment will offer.

“Knowing Kurt and some of the lads in the squad made my decision a lot easier, the systems will be similar to what I was used to so jumping back into that environment will hopefully be a lot easier for me but I know Kurt will push me as a player to get the best out of me as well.”

Bradford boss Kurt Haggerty, said:

“I am extremely excited to be bringing Nathan to the club, he has been doing some fantastic things at Widnes Vikings and has probably been the standout full-back in the competition.

“He is very quick, he’s tough, he’s talented and he’s multi-skilled. He can play full-back, centre, winger and even do a spell in the halves. I coached Nathan at Salford when he was a young man and transitioned to the first team so I have seen a glimpse of what he can do. He is now ready to step up and become a Super League player so I am really excited to work with Nathan.”