Bradford Bulls have confirmed that one of their forwards that featured for them in the Championship has now signed a full-time deal.
Ronan Michael became the first player to be born in Ireland to play in Super League since Brian Carney when he debuted for Huddersfield Giants in 2020.
Playing one game for the Claret and Gold that year, he went on to have spells at Whitehaven and Swinton Lions.
He then joined York Knights on loan in 2022, before making that move permanent. He featured a total of 71 times for the North Yorkshire outfit before his move to the Bulls came ahead of 2025.
This season, he featured in 30 of the club’s 32 games, primarily featuring off the bench.
Michael also had a stint in Australia at the start of his career, and was due to play for the Canberra Raiders youth side in 2020, but Covid-19 ended that hope and he returned to the Giants after just three months down under.
The 25-year-old is a nine-time Ireland international, making his debut in 2018 against Scotland. He featured once in the 2022 World Cup, representing his nation in defeat to New Zealand at Headingley.
Bradford Bulls tie down forward to new deal
Michael, who will be part of the first Bulls team to feature in Super League since 2014, is ready for the step up to the top flight, and can’t wait to be back playing against the Northern Hemisphere’s best once again.
Speaking to BullsTV, he said: “I’m buzzing to be staying at Bradford, we have a great crew here and the new boys have come in and added to our group so it is really exciting times.
“Training has been really intense but I feel being full-time really suits me and my game so I am really enjoying being in the environment.
“I’m euphoric and looking forward to a second crack at Super League following my time with Huddersfield. I am coming back a more rounded, experienced player so I am eager to make the most of this opportunity.
“The Bradford fans have been immense ever since I came in, numbers are growing and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of next year.”
