Bradford Bulls grim injury luck continues as three players including star centre out for season

Bradford Bulls have been dealt some horror injury news this week, with three players suffering season-ending injuries.

Hooker Mitch Souter, prop Cameron Bate and centre Waqa Blake are all set to miss the rest of 2026, with Blake being the key loss for Kurt Haggerty’s side.

The Fijian international has been “playing on one leg” for the past fortnight, before now succumbing to the blow that will see him sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Bate was playing on loan at Salford RLFC this weekend, before a horror injury saw him suffer ACL, MCL and a major hamstring tear.

Haggerty confirmed that Bate potentially faces around a year out, such as the injury he has sustained.

Aussie Souter played in the Bulls’ reserves win over London Broncos, but a syndesmosis issue will require surgery and a lengthy lay-off.

“It’s hard to put your finger on,” Haggerty said when asked why so many players are suffering injuries. “If I knew, I’d probably be a very rich man right now.”

The trio add to what was already a long list of season-ending injuries, with Eribe Doro, Sam Hallas and Ed Chamberlain also unable to play again this year.

Crucial top-four battle, St Helens to beat Wigan and Rovers to win Hull derby – Click here to watch the Serious About Rugby League Predictions Show!

Bradford Bulls down to 18 fit players after latest injury update

Haggerty revealed further injury blows, with Loghan Lewis and Dan Russell both missing this week’s game.

Lewis could potentially return for Hull KR next week, whilst Russell has seen an eye specialist due to a “bizarre” incident.

“If he trains too much and does too much, there’s a chance there’s more of a bleed up behind the eye, which could affect him losing his sight.

“It’s a really bizarre one. If he gets specialist clearance, he could be okay to play the following week, so it’s all touch and go on Friday.”

Star hooker Andy Ackers made 65 tackles in last week’s defeat to Wakefield, but hasn’t trained all week due to a thumb issue. Had the game been today, Haggerty wouldn’t select the former Leeds man, but there is a possibility he could play through the pain barrier.

In more positive news, both Phoenix Steinwede and Guy Armitage have recovered from their respective blows and are set to feature against the Rhinos.