Bradford Bulls have named three Super League signings and a recently released Hull FC man in their squad for their pre-season friendly against Keighley Cougars.
The Bulls have had an off-season of change with head coach Eamon McManus departing and former head coach Brian Noble returning to the role. They’ve also overseen one of the busiest recruitment campaigns of any Championship side and that has seen the addition of several Super League players.
As such, Bradford has firmly established themselves as one of the favourites for the 2025 Championship campaign with the Bulls boasting a team that has already been referenced by one rival head coach as the one to beat.
Fans of the Bulls and of rugby league will get the chance to see that squad in action this weekend as Bradford host Keighley in the first pre-season game ahead of 2025.
The local rivalry game is slated for Sunday at Odsal with League One Keighley making the short journey to take on Brian Noble’s side and both teams have now named their squads.
Bradford Bulls name ex-Hull FC to squad for pre-season clash
Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
Bradford Bulls have named a 25-man squad whilst Keighley has named 23 players to theirs and both sides display plenty of former Super League stars.
The most high-profile of those is ex-St Helens man Waqa Blake with the former NRL outside back named in Bradford’s squad alongside three other Super League signings.
However, it’s one of the other former Super League outside backs named that has caught the eye with Bradford naming released Hull FC man Liam Tindall in their squad.
Tindall featured on loan for the Bulls in 2024 but is still officially looking for a new club ahead of the 2025 season. Notably, Bradford have left their number two shirt available which indicates they are still looking to recruit and Tindall might fit the bill should he impress.
He is one of several former Hull FC players in the squad as both Franklin Pele and Jayden Okunbor also feature, showcasing the strength of the squad, whilst ex-London Broncos pair James Meadows and Emmanuel Waine are also named.
Among the key players not named are Leeds Rhinos signing James Donaldson and club captain Michael Lawrence with both veterans missing out. Tom Holmes and Jordan Lilley are two other key players who miss out, as confirmed previously.
👥 SQUAD | Head coach Brian Noble, who is sponsored by Paints and Lacquers, has named his @ASNDoors 25-Man Squad for Sunday’s clash with Keighley Cougars!
📖 | Read: https://t.co/XTeKQ96DpD#StrengthInNumbers
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) December 20, 2024
As for Keighley, who are led by former Castleford Tigers and Hull KR man Jake Webster, they’ve named the majority of their first team including former Super League man and recently confirmed captain Junior Sa’u.
Prop Lewis Hatton misses out as he serves the first game of his ban whilst Valu Tane Bentley is ruled out due to a wrist injury.
Hooker Harry Bowes recently suffered a calf injury that saw him ruled out but he’s slated for a return in the New Year.
Here’s your squad for Sunday!
Hatton serves the first game of his ban, Valu Tanē Bentley recovers from a wrist injury and Harry Bowes suffered a calf injury last week but is expected to recover early in the New Year.
Who are you looking forward to seeing out there?
TICKETS >… pic.twitter.com/ZY7dsrpbW0
— Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) December 20, 2024
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