Bradford Bulls confirm Super League signings and end to Jayden Okunbor saga after Hull FC exit

Bradford Bulls have finally been able to confirm the permanent signing of former Hull FC man Jayden Okunbor until the end of the season after his Visa issue was finally sorted.

The former Hull FC man had previously signed with Bradford Bulls for the remainder of the season but had been sidelined due to Visa issues which put his Bulls future at risk, but on transfer deadline day, that’s been remedied and Bradford have confirmed his new availability.

Okunbor arrived in England for the 2024 season with big hype from the NRL, in particular from his former Director of Rugby as Phil Gould infamously took to social media to claim that the outside back would “be a sensation in the UK”.

Sadly, it wasn’t to happen at Hull FC with the club releasing him from his contract after a short loan stint with Bradford Bulls, with whom he would later re-sign. Incredibly, Okunbor was one of six who failed to fulfil their Hull FC contract.

Trust me when I say, Jayden Okunbor will be a sensation in the UK. He’s just getting started. https://t.co/aayVseehtY

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) August 25, 2023

However, Okunbor has missed the last two games because he did not have the correct Visa clearance and was therefore unable to play for Eamon O’Carroll’s side against both York Knights and Widnes Vikings, the latter game being a shock loss for the Bulls.

Today, Bradford Bulls confirmed that the former Hull FC man is officially able to play for the remainder of the season after those issues have been sorted.

Bradford Bulls name former Hull FC man after Visa clearance

They’ve now immediately named him in their 20-man squad to take on Barrow Raiders this weekend with the Bulls confirming the loss of a different Hull FC man.

They stated: “Loanee Jack Smith has been named and is poised to make his debut in place of Liam Tindall, who has returned to parent club Hull FC for treatment on a shoulder injury sustained in last week’s defeat at Widnes. Jayden Okunbor has been granted VISA clearance and could make his return to action.”

Bradford had earlier managed to land Jack Smith from Leeds Rhinos on a loan deal with the young outside back making the switch to the Odsal club. They’ve also announced the extension of Harvey Makin’s loan until the end of the season as a second Super League signing for the day.

👥 SQUAD | Bradford boss Eamon O’Carroll has named his ASN Doors 20-Man Squad for this Sunday’s trip to tackle Barrow Raiders!

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) August 2, 2024

The return of Okunbor is the major news though with his performances crucial to the side’s hopes of making the Championship Grand Final.

During his spell with the club so far, he has made seven appearances and scored three tries, two more than he did during his eight-game spell as a Hull FC player before being released back in early July.