The Championship season might not have started for Bradford Bulls but they’ve made it to the semi-finals of the 1895 Cup and now enhanced their squad with an impressive signing.
In Eamon O’Carroll’s first season as head coach of Bradford Bulls, the expectations are higher than in previous seasons with a sense of optimism around Odsal.
Numerous signings, a third-place finish in 2023 and strong grading under the IMG criteria suggest that the club are heading in the right direction.
The ambition looks set to continue with the club now confirming the signing of Zac Fulton from the NRL with the 22-year-old set to join immediately, subject to international clearance.
Fulton will become another young Aussie to head to Odsal after Mitch Souter made the move earlier in the off-season, but Fulton is set to leave behind a huge legacy at his old club Manly Sea Eagles.
Fulton is the grandson of Manly immortal Bob Fulton whilst his father, Scott, has worked in the NRL as a recruitment manager.
Young Zac will now leave that legacy behind to forge his own with Bradford Bulls announcing their recruit late last night.
Bradford Bulls strengthen with another Aussie recruit
Bradford Bulls have already signed Australian Mitch Souter and will now add Zac Fulton. – Copyright: xTomxPearsonx PMI-6037-0030
In Fulton, Bradford Bulls will be getting a solid back-rower who has just one NRL appearance but plenty of games in the New South Wales Cup where he has learnt his trade.
Fulton made 23 appearances for Manly’s feeder team in that competition but will now switch the NSW Cup for the 1895 Cup and the Championship, the Bulls set to play Wakefield Trinity in both the semi-finals of the 1895 Cup and in their Championship opener.
That’s a game that Fulton may not be ready for with the Bulls confirming his signing via a statement on their website.
It read: “Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Zac Fulton from NRL outfit Manly Sea Eagles on a one-year deal – subject to international clearance!
“The 22-year-old is the grandson of one of Rugby League’s ‘Immortals’, Bob Fulton, who enjoyed a trophy laden career both as a player and as a coach in the Southern Hemisphere. We would like to thank the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their contribution towards Zac’s arrival.
“Fulton, who features primarily in the back row but can also operate in the centres, made his debut in Australia’s top flight in 2022 – becoming the first ‘3rd generation’ player (after Bob and his dad, Scott) to feature for Manly.”
On the move, Zac said: “I am very excited to be joining, Bradford is a great club and it will be good to get over there and meet the boys and get ready for the season.
“I’ve always known about Bradford as a club from back when I was young, winning Super League titles and such. It is an opportunity I had to jump at when they offered me the chance to come over!
“I’ll give 100% in everything that I do on the field and hopefully we can have good crack at bringing success back to Bradford.”
Head coach Eamon O’Carroll also spoke and hinted that more signings could be set to come too, explaining: “We’ve been trying to add for a while and the recruitment drive doesn’t stop now Zac is in, there are plenty of others we want to bring in and plenty of conversations being had.
“If we are lucky enough to get them in they will compliment those already in the squad and those due back after injury as well.”
