Bradford Bulls sign ex-union man as Brian Noble era begins

Bradford Bulls have made their first signing of the new Brian Noble era as well as renewing the contract of a current star.

The Bulls had compiled the vast majority of their squad before former head coach Eamon O’Carroll left the club and after going down the shock route of re-hiring former head coach Brian Noble, Bradford have added another two players to their 2025 squad.

Renewing the contract of Jorge Taufua was the first of those moves with the former NRL and Wakefield Trinity winger penning a one-year extension to keep him at Odsal.

After arriving halfway through the 2023 campaign, Taufua has gone on to play 29 times for the Bulls with 22 of those appearances coming in the 2024 campaign when he’d score nine tries.

The 33-year-old has now committed to one more year with Bradford showing serious intent in their squad building, something that was echoed by Brian Noble as he clearly outlined that a return to Super League is the only mission that he has.

Bradford Bulls make first signing of Brian Noble era

As well as confirming the re-signing of Taufua, Bradford Bulls also announced the signing of Guy Armitage after his exit from Toulouse Olympique, the first of the Brian Noble era.

Also signing a one-year deal, Armitage will bring size to the outside backs alongside Taufua. During his spell with the French outfit, Armitage scored 41 in 56 showcasing his immense prowess.

Arriving at Toulouse after a brief spell with London Broncos, Armitage’s background is in rugby union where he would represent England at youth level.

He is the younger brother of both Delon and Steffon who would accrue 31 England caps between them in the 15-man code.

Speaking on his move, Armitage said: “I am massively pleased, you can see from the outside that it is a club on the up. Having sat down with Jason and Brian, you can tell from what they are saying and how they are saying it that they are excited with what is going on and what is to come.

“To have a chance to be a part of what is coming is a privilege really, I am excited to have the chance to represent the club.”

Specifically on his new head coach, Armitage said: “Brian has had an incredibly impressive career, he’s won everything and after meeting him for the bloke that he is I am massively excited to be a player under him.”

Noble would label Armitage as an X-factor player, explaining: “If we are serious about getting into Super League, which is why I am around, we need as many people as possible who have experienced a full-time environment and understands the dynamics of the extra bits you have to do to be successful.”