Bradford Bulls have completed the permanent signing of Chris Atkin from Castleford Tigers.
Atkin, who struggled for minutes under Ryan Carr at Castleford this season, has penned a deal until the end of the season at Odsal. It’s a move that strengthens Bradford’s playmaker options and he could step straight into the fold ahead of this weekend’s clash with Huddersfield Giants.
Atkin made 19 appearances during his time at Castleford after joining the club from Salford Red Devils last April. Just three of those came this season, with Atkin being left unused since the club’s loss to Toulouse Olympique last month.
The 33-year-old has previously spent time with Swinton Lions, Hull KR and Salford and has 285 career appearances under his belt, with 70 tries coming along the way.
He can also play a number of positions with Atkin playing at half-back, hooker, and loose-forward during his time at Castleford Tigers alone. He can also play full-back, adding versatility to Kurt Haggerty’s squad.
“I am really happy Chris has come and joined the Bulls for the rest of the year,” Haggerty, who knows Atkin from their time together at Salford, said. “He adds a utility value to the team, he can play as a pivot, as a 13 and he can cover at hooker as well.
“He’s multi skilled, he’s a great fella and he’s all about earning respect and I am sure he will do that with our group, he’s a very good player in his own right.
“Chris ticks a couple of boxes, he’s got that rugby IQ, he’s got the toughnesss, he’s multi skilled and he’s played a lot of Super League – and I know he’s got plenty of fight left in him. I am really excited for Chris to show this group what he can do.
“Chris knows my style and system so he knows what I expect. The group understand what I expect and where we are at so he’s only going to add value in competition for places. The training standards will go even higher with Chris Atkin in the environment.”
On joining the Bulls, Atkin said: “I am really excited, I am looking forward to getting stuck in. Having spoken to Kurt and a few of the other lads in the group, they’ve only got positive things to say about the club and where the club is trying to go this season and beyond.
“Speaking to Kurt about his vision and ethos, knowing how he wants to play the game was a big factor in coming to the Bulls, I am really excited to work with him again and to link back up with a few of the boys too.
“It’s clear the Bulls have come to play, they’ve turned up every week and put a performance on and that may have surprised people on the outside looking in but I don’t think it will be a surprise to the group. They look really good and I’m really excited to get involved and be a part of that.
“I want to bring my utility value I’ve tried to bring to teams over the years, I will give 100% every time I get the chance to get on the field and I’m going to bring my energy to help lift the team and contribute in my own way to make the Bulls better and achieve some success in 2026.”
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