Bradford Bulls have announced another signing for 2027, after capturing a Championship star to bolster their ranks.
Having already signed some big names in John Bateman, James Bentley and Ligi Sao, the club continue to strengthen both their best 17 and their strength in depth too, with their latest recruit fitting into the latter category.
The club have confirmed that full-back Nathan Connell will arrive at the club, returning to Super League after standing out in Salford Red Devils’ torrid campaign in 2025.
That year, the 23-year-old made 23 appearances, the second-highest of any player, and did exceptionally well as a rookie in the top flight.
This season saw a move to Widnes Vikings emerge, and there he has shone, scoring 20 tries in 27 appearances. Part-way through the season, Connell actually penned a two-year extension at the club, but that deal won’t happen now with the Bulls’ offer of full-time rugby too good to turn down.
Connell featured at full-back in Widnes’ 1895 Cup Final defeat to London Broncos on Monday, and has been one of the Championship’s best this year, with his return to Super League rightly deserved.
Bradford Bulls land sixth signing for 2027
Commenting on the move, 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.”
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.”
