Bradford Bulls fend off “interest elsewhere” as released Championship forward becomes latest recruit

Bradford Bulls have continued to build their squad for their return to Super League, and have now announced their latest recruit, who joins from the Championship.

The Bulls, who have brought in the likes of Andy Ackers, Rowan Milnes and Ethan Ryan this season, have now announced a further addition, as Kurt Haggerty and his staff create a side capable of competing in the top division.

Recently released Halifax Panthers forward, Brandon Douglas, is the latest to join the Odsal set-up, signing until the end of the 2027 season.

Starting his career at Castleford Tigers, Douglas made one appearance in the top flight in 2016, before moving to Dewsbury and later Halifax until the end of 2018.

Local switches to Sheffield and Doncaster gave the 28-year-old plenty of experience, and ahead of 2024 he returned to The Shay, inking a two-year deal.

Now, his time at the club has come to an end, and he will join a Super League outfit once again, linking up with Bradford upon their return to the top flight for the first time since 2014.

With 146 appearances to his name, Douglas will provide solid squad depth for the Bulls.

“Coming back home” – Former Championship star makes local switch to join boyhood club Bradford Bulls

Douglas, who grew up on the Odsal terraces watching the club play in Super League, revealed that he could have joined the club earlier in his career, but circumstances meant that the move never came to fruition.

However, he is now ready to turn out for his hometown side, and admitted that the Bulls was the place for him, after rejecting moves to other clubs.

He said: “There was interest elsewhere but I am a Bradford lad I grew up as a Season ticket holder playing for West Bowling. My mum used to drop me off every week for games so it does feel like I am coming back home in that regard.

“I’ve been playing in the Championship for the last 10 years and the ambition of most is to challenge themselves at the highest level and that opportunity has come available now. Having spoken to Kurt [Haggerty] and Jason [Hirst] at the club, I believe it is the right place for me to give the chance of playing in Super League a real go.”

He continued: “I have got plenty of rugby experience, I am 28 and moving into the prime of my career and this is a big challenge for me, the club and for everyone involved.

“Everyone has the right ambition and are saying the right things and hopefully we can gel together and thrive in this environment. I am hopeful this will unlock new levels to my game being in a Super League full-time environment and in regards to the team, there’s plenty of transition so I am sure we can help each other out.”

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