Bradford Bulls confirm more releases as overseas star among shock new exits
Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty
Bradford Bulls have confirmed that two more first-team players will leave at the end of the Super League season, as the evolution of their squad at Odsal continues.
The Bulls had already communicated that a string of senior players were departing later this year. That list included half-back Chris Atkin and outside back Guy Armitage, along with a number of other players who have featured regularly throughout the 2026 campaign.
But Bradford have now confirmed two more are heading for the exits, too.
Bradford confirmed release of duo
The Bulls have revealed that half-back Riley Dean, who only joined on a short-term contract earlier this summer, has been told his services are no longer required at Bradford for 2027 and beyond.
And another mid-season recruit, forward Phoenix Steinwede, has also been shown the door by Kurt Haggerty. Steinwede has shown moments of promise since joining Bradford earlier this season, but injuries have hampered his availability to the Bulls’ coaching staff.
It means there is now more space within Bradford’s salary cap to recruit further for 2027.
Haggerty said: “Riley and Phoenix both came in mid-season to boost our ranks when we were down on troops, we have always had open and honest conversations and I wanted to be respectful and give them enough time so seek alternate opportunities. I wish them both the very best moving forward.”
Eight players now set to leave Odsal
Bradford have now confirmed the impending exits of eight senior players.
As mentioned, Armitage and Atkin are among that group who have been told they will not be retained. Papua New Guinea international Dan Russell has also been released.
Fringe players Joe Keyes, Mitch Souter and Sam Hallas are also leaving Odsal. Keyes is expected to head to France to play on in 2027.
“I wanted to be open and honest to give them that opportunity to find something instead of waiting until the deadline on 31 August, so we’ve done it as respectfully as we can,” Haggerty said at the time. “The conversations are always very difficult but as we’ve always spoken about, there are no grey areas at this club.”
The likes of Wigan Warriors forward Sam Eseh and former England international John Bateman are among those who will arrive next season in what appears to be a new-look Bradford side ahead of their second campaign back in Super League.
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