One of Bradford Bulls 13 signings has spoken on the biggest changes after switching from a part-time club to a Super League one.
It’s been a very busy period of recruitment for Bradford Bulls since their promotion to Super League was confirmed following their steep climb up the IMG grade rankings.
A total of 13 new recruits have been confirmed for 2026 with the most recent being forward Ryan Sutton, formerly of Wigan Warriors and the NRL.
One of the men Sutton is likely to line up alongside in the pack for the Bulls next year is Brandon Douglas, one of the standout forwards in the Championship in recent seasons.
Having played in Super League for Castleford Tigers previously, the 28-year-old gets a second crack at it now after signing for his boyhood club from Halifax Panthers.
Speaking to club media at the team’s launch event, the boyhood Bulls fan said: “I watched them growing up and did my scholarship here but got let go and it didn’t work out. For many of the players, it’s just a dream come true.”
Bradford Bulls prop on biggest change for 2026
Douglas’ arrival was confirmed in late October and he’s been straight into training, explaining how it differs from the part-time environment that he’s used to.
The prop explained: “We’re on week three now and it’s a transitional period for a few of the lads. It’s a completely new group but we’re working hard and it’s good.
“It’s just been pressed on us how fast the game is. I think no one is worried about physicality but it’s the speed and being able to back up contact after contact after contact. It’s relentless, you switch off and someone is in behind. You can’t switch off for a minute.”
A number of Bradford Bulls players haven’t made the transition to Super League as they can’t facilitate going full time, but Douglas has made sacrifices to do so with the 28-year-old speaking on how the transition will work.
“I’ve gone full time, I’ve put my work on hold and given myself the best chance to give it a real go for the next two years,” he said.
“It worked out really well, I’ve got a window-fitting company and I’m in a good position wit that so I’ve stepped away from the fitting side but I’m still doing a lot in the background.
“The transition from that is that I’m training and still doing a little bit of work, obviously nothing physical, but it’s good. Everything has aligned really well and I thought, if I don’t do it now then I’ll never do it.”
With Super League fixtures announced this coming week, there’s one major game that Douglas will be looking out for as well.
“Being a Bradford fan growing up, it’s Leeds isn’t it? A derby is always a derby.”
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