Bradford Bulls man latest to join Championship club following heartfelt exit message

Last week, Bradford Bulls star Jordan Lilley released an emotional statement, revealing that his time at the club had come to an end.

After eight years that has included 186 appearances, 35 tries and 262 goals, Lilley leaves as one of Bradford’s recent heroes, and has been vital in not only their push to Super League but from their days in League One when the club suffered relegation to the third tier.

Starting out at a half-back, he has turned into a hooker in recent years, and has turned into one of the Championship’s most consistent players. He leaves the club to take up an opportunity elsewhere in the second division, as his beloved Bulls go on and return to the top flight for the first time since 2014.

Linking up with some Bulls teammates who have also made the move, Lilley will join Sheffield Eagles for the 2026 campaign, with the South Yorkshire side building a formidable looking squad for the season ahead.

A poor first year under Craig Lingard ended in disappointment, but the club are making great amends to rectify that, and will look to be amongst the top going into next season’s modified Championship structure.

The 29-year-old joins centre Kieran Gill in making the switch to the Eagles, as the 1998 Challenge Cup winners continue a partnership between the two that has been so successful at Bradford in recent years.

The club have already announced signings such as Joe Brown and Conor Fitzsimmons from York, as well as ex-Wakefield Trinity man Harry Bowes.

Former Bradford Bulls man Jordan Lilley’s first words following Championship move

Speaking on his arrival, Lilley was made up to have finally secured his future, whilst also recognising the journey he has been on with the Bulls to get him to this point.

He said:  “I’m really pleased to get everything sorted, it’s been something I’ve wanted to get done for a while now. The opportunity has come; after speaking with Craig [Lingard] and seeing some of the other new signings for the club, I am really delighted to sign for two years and get the deal over the line.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everyone at Bradford for everything that they’ve done for me. I’ve made some lifelong memories there and it’s a club where I’ll always hold memories. I’m a fan of the club, as is my son, and I’ll continue to take him to games, but it’s time for me to go and make memories somewhere else, and that’s going to be with Sheffield for the next two years.”

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