Bradford Bulls have signed one of their off-contract stars to a new deal for 2027 following their impressive return to Super League.
Despite only winning three of their ten games so far, the Bulls have added plenty of value to the competition and outperformed the expectations of many and one man who has been central to that is Joe Mellor.
Signed from Salford and named captain, Mellor has been an extraordinary addition and Bradford have moved quickly to sign him down to an extra year.
Currently out injured after having meniscus surgery, Mellor was key to the club’s strong start with his tackling numbers leading the way in Super League at the time of his injury.
He’s also brought plenty to the Bulls’ attack, making 14 offloads in the eight games he has played whilst assisting three tries and scoring one of his own, all whilst adapting to the new position of loose forward.
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Bradford Bulls sign Joe Mellor to new deal
A club statement confirmed the deal, reading: “Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce captain Joe Mellor has put pen-to-paper on a new one-year deal to remain with the club until at least the end of the 2027 season.”
On the news, Mellor said: “I’m really happy to be staying, it’s been really good since I arrived especially coming back into Super League. It’s something that I think is good for Super League, Bradford being back in it as well. On a personal note, the way I’ve started the season with Bradford, hopefully moving forward I can continue to keep playing well when I’m back.
“The way we’ve started the season helped make my decision along with the team that Kurt has got in, it’s been really good. The lads that were here last year and the new boys that have come in this year, hopefully we keep progressing each week and each year to keep getting better.”
Head coach Kurt Haggerty, who worked with Mellor at Salford, praised the new contract and pointed to it as a sign of intent for the club’s 2027 plans.
He said: “It shows how quickly the club are working with regards to recruitment for 2027, Joe has certainly earned a new contract with the club with his contribution so far as captain and leader of the team and there’s no better person to keep around the environment.”
Haggerty also sent a message to other players: “It [2026 Tackle Count] shows his attitude towards working hard for the team, it shows his attitude to putting a Bradford Bulls shirt on and he epitomises everything we want this club to be about. We will reward consistency, if you have performed consistently you’ll stay at this club and you’ll earn contracts and ultimately we want to keep good people like Joe around.”
🫡 | Staying put.#RunWithTheBulls pic.twitter.com/wHyGmbSKZl
— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) May 6, 2026
