Hull FC have allowed Ed Chamberlain to join Super League newcomers Bradford Bulls on a season-long loan deal.
The Bulls have recruited heavily since winning promotion back to the top flight through IMG rankings and in Chamberlain they have landed a player with plenty of Super League experience. The 29-year-old played in both the back-row and centre last season for the Black and Whites and while he did struggle with a number of injuries over the course of the campaign, he managed to play a key role under John Cartwright.
Hull have strengthened their back line and pack options ahead of the new season though and that allows them to send Chamberlain out on loan to Bradford. He has made 28 appearances for Hull since joining from Leigh Leopards on an initial loan back in 2024.
Chamberlain made 30 outings for Leigh and scored 17 tries, while he was also part of the club’s 2023 Challenge Cup winning team. He has also represented Widnes Vikings, Whitehaven, Workington Town, Salford Red Devils and London Broncos over the course of his career. Interestingly, he also had a brief loan spell at Bradford back in 2017, making five appearances and scoring three tries.
Kurt Haggerty on Bradford Bulls’ loan signing from Hull FC
“He’s versatile, he can play centre, back row and I’m also comfortable putting him in the middle of the field because he’s tough,” Kurt Haggerty said. “He’s competent and he has got high skill levels, so he will certainly add value and versatility to the team.
“We did a lot of homework on Ed and a lot of the people we spoke to said he’s a first class human being and a fantastic professional, so all those traits will help our young lads develop in and around the environment.”
Speaking on the move from Hull FC to Bradford, Chamberlain, who has had a couple of days with the club already, said: “It’s been good, everyone has been really welcoming I know a lot of the lads from previous clubs.
“A new challenge gives you a chance to prove yourself and show what you want to be as a player, I don’t know what it will be for me but whatever position I end up playing in I’ll do my best each and every week.
“It’s a big moment for the club, there is a massive buzz around the place and there’s big excitement around Super League having Bradford back in the competition but everyone is raring to go and everyone is ripping in.
“The speed of the game in Super League is a lot quicker, you have to be fitter and you have to be able to think on your feet when you’re fatigued you have to keep pushing through, you have to make sure you can catch and pass. You can’t switch off mentally but I’d say a lot of the lads are already in good shape for the start of pre-season and should cope pretty well with Super League.
“On a personal level, I just want to make sure I am playing consistently in whatever position I get put in I’ll do my best. Hopefully I’m in the squad for the full year and whatever goals we set as a club that’s what we’ll stick to, I just want to be consistent week on week.”
