Former Bradford Bulls and Hull FC prop, Franklin Pele, has landed himself a second chance at plying in the NRL, signing with one of the competition’s biggest clubs.
Pele, who initially moved to the Black and Whites in 2024, found it difficult to adapt to the British game, and started his FC career in the worst way possible, being red carded on his debut for a swinging arm against Hull KR, and subsequently incurring a three-match ban.
He went on to make just eight appearances at the West Hull outfit, before moving to York Knights on loan for a couple of games.
Initially signing a two-year deal, the 24-year-old was released from his contract in June of 2024, as he became one of the most disappointing overseas recruit’s in Hull’s recent history.
He linked up with Bradford Bulls following his exit from the MKM Stadium, where he became a solid impact player to bring on from the bench. Pele would go on to make 26 appearances for the club between June 2024 and April 2025.
In May, the club revealed that the prop had sought an opportunity elsewhere, and no longer wished to fulfil the remainder of his contract. He moved to third tier rugby union side Racing Club de Narbonne in France, where he has played ever since.
Former Hull FC flop agrees NRL return
In a somewhat surprising move, Pele has landed himself a deal to return to Australia, and has signed with the South Sydney Rabbitohs ahead of 2026.
The Bunnies’ recruitment manager, Brent Hill, confirmed his signing on a the ‘Rabbitohs Radio Podcast’, and revealed that he is waiting on his daughter’s passport to arrive before he can make the move back down under.
Pele already has experience in the NRL, after coming through the system at Cronulla Sharks. He made a sole appearance for the club in 2021, before moving to Canterbury Bulldogs, where he featured six times in 2023.
The prop will be featuring in the club’s reserve grade side for the majority, but could have a chance at a first grade return should he impress in his stint at the Rabbitohs.
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Paul Squires
December 6, 2025 at 11:33 am
Strange episode all round with Franklin. “Found it hard to adapt to the British game” seems an odd statement. Franklin was playing well for Bradford and out of the blue decided to go and play French Rugby union. You’d think that was harder to adapt to. Seems like he needs to decide what he wants and stick to that. Perhaps going back down under will help him to settle.