Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Kaggerty has been able to reveal some positive injury news despite the club’s mounting casualty list.
Overseas pair Waqa Blake and Phoenix Steinwede were both confirmed to have suffered 12-week injuries when Haggerty spoke to the media earlier this week, whilst plenty of other concerns were also aired.
One of those was around Ryan Sutton and it’s now been confirmed that he will miss Saturday’s game against Wakefield Trinity with the star prop not named in the 21-man squad, with the Bulls forced into six changes due to injury.
Halves Joe Keyes and Rowan Milnes have also dropped out with both men described as ‘50/50’ when Haggerty spoke on Tuesday, whilst Jayden Nikorima was another to drop out with Haggerty adding that he was ‘potentially another four weeks away’.
Within the 21-man squad, there are no outright half-backs but utility veteran duo Chris Atkin and Joe Mellor could be the men to fill the void which showcases just how deep injuries are running.
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Bradford Bulls get key signing back early
One of the positive updates that Haggerty was able to share was the fact that Luke Hooley’s injury was not as bad as first feared, with previous worst-case scenarios including a six-month lay-off.
Instead, the utility, who can play in the halves, is just ‘four to six weeks away’ which is still substantil but far from season-ending.
On his delight at that, Haggerty said: “We’re thrilled. We’ve had a lot of injuries that have always ended up turning into two, three, four months so we’re really happy that it’s not long-term for Luke.
“We are a little bit short in the outside backs so he’ll certainly be a welcome addition when he comes back.”
Another player who is a welcome addition and perhaps an unexpected one is Dan Russell, who had been handed a 12-week timeline when going down injured in round one but the ex-Warrington Wolves man has recovered quickly.
Haggerty revealed: “We’ve had a real positivity in his recovery and his rehab with the medical staff. He’s been on an upwards trajectory and we’re really happy with how he’s progressed and he’s come to me with it, saying that he’s progressed nicely and he’s almost ready to play.
“Everything has happened really quickly with Dan and we’re all pretty positive about it.”
There was also positive news around Will Gardiner, who has been named in the squad, though the ex-Hull FC man will need his minutes managing when returning.
“Gards in particular is pretty close,” Haggerty noted, adding: “He’s probably a bit touch and go. I just need to be really careful with Will because he’s not played rugby in such a long time so there’s a duty of care in that.”
SQUAD| Kurt Haggerty has named his ASN Doors 21-man Squad for Saturday’s Trip to the DIY Kitchens Stadium to face Wakefield Trinity (3pm – kick off)https://t.co/aLwxXJmygH pic.twitter.com/AGtteHJRHJ
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) April 16, 2026
