Former Hull FC man Franklin Pele signs new contract

Former Hull FC quota player Franklin Pele has signed a new contract with Bradford Bulls, extending his stay at Odsal Stadium.

After seven NRL appearances, for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, he signed for the Black and Whites in a marquee deal ahead of 2024, and had high expectations.

However, he made just eight appearances in Super League, all of them being in defeats for his side.

He was sent off on his debut and then banned for three matches.

After just three games under interim coach Scott Grix, he was allowed to leave the club on loan to York Knights before eventually being released.

Just 23 years-old, he still has bags of potential, and he showed this with some very impressive performances coming off the bench in the Championship.

Former Hull FC man Franklin Pele signs new contract

He was signed by Bradford Bulls after being released by Hull FC earlier this year, on a deal that ran until the end of the season.

It was confirmed last night that he has signed on for 2025 now, meaning he has another season of playing down a level.

Head coach Eamon O’Carroll said: “It’s huge, he is a fans favourite and rightly so, clearly he and his partner are happy and fully invested here.

‘It’s a big one for everyone, not just the club, fans and the team but for Franklin and his family too, to find a home and settle in the UK,”

After six NRL appearances just a year ago, it may seem like somewhat of a fall from grace, but after such a disappointing time with Hull FC, this could be a good way of getting back to his best.

This is what O’Carroll said after the original signing: “Like with Jayden Okunbor, we are happy to offer Franklin this opportunity and we look forward to helping him to get a smile back on his face and being the best version of himself in a Bradford shirt.”

Okunbor played 45 games in NRL, and will likely look for a first-grade team in 2025.