Ex-St Helens man Waqa Blake finds new club after release

Former St Helens centre Waqa Blake has signed with a new club for the 2025 season after his release from the Super League outfit.

Blake was one of just four signings that arrived at the Totally Wicked Stadium for 2024 but the former Parramatta Eels centre failed to transition as expected.

The Fijian international had been highly regarded Down Under having made 165 appearances in the NRL but something failed to click at St Helens and that saw him let go at the end of the 2024 season, despite registering as the club’s third-highest try-scorer with 11.

He has now found himself a new club in England and incredibly, the 30-year-old is moving to the Championship with Bradford Bulls taking a punt on the 30-year-old in an ambitious signing that reflects the attitude and intent of those at the club.

The Bulls have had a very busy few weeks with legendary head coach Brian Noble returning to Odsal and a string of high-profile signings with Blake being the latest of them.

Former St Helens man signs with Bradford Bulls

Despite signing numerous ex-Super League outside backs to their squad for 2025, Bradford Bulls have added Waqa Blake with the Fijian signing a two-year deal at the club.

He will be among the leading contenders to start amidst a host of prolific outside backs including the likes of ex-Wakefield man Jorge Taufua and former Hull FC man Jayden Okunbor.

Announcing his arrival, the Championship side shared a statement on their website reading: “Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Fiji International Waqa Blake on a two-year deal.

“Blake joins an already exciting Bradford Bulls squad that is being assembled, with the former Saints and Parramatta man signing up for 25′ and 26′.”

Given that Blake found himself left out of the St Helens squad whilst healthy at times during the 2024 campaign, it’s interesting to see how he goes in the Championship but new head coach Brian Noble could not sing his praises loud enough.

He said: “Blake is a real strong signing for us, you very rarely get to sign players at Super League level, who’s played 165 games in the NRL and numerous games in the Super League, he will be a real quality addition for our squad and especially our backline.”

Noble also confirmed that there was ‘plenty of interest from other teams’ as he argued that it highlighted the strength of what Bradford are building, something Blake would reference himself.

The Fijian said: “I’m extremely excited to get started here, the club has plenty of history and that was obviously a factor in signing here, the club is building a strong squad for the Championship and I’m excited to get started and play my part.

“I’m looking forward to meeting all the players, staff and most importantly the Bradford Bulls fans who I cannot wait to play in front of, it’s going to be a great year.”