How Bradford Bulls are shaping up for 2023
Bradford Bulls have added plenty of Super League experience to their side as head coach Mark Dunning leads his first pre-season at the club.
Dunning, who was appointed as new boss in July following John Kear’s departure, has had a busy off-season so far ahead of his side’s 2023 Championship campaign.
Bradford finished ninth in the 2022 season with 11 wins from 27.
Full-back Jack Walker headlines the transfers, having signed from Leeds on a one-year deal. The 23-year-old makes the switch having made more than 80 appearances for both the Rhinos and Hull – where he played on loan in 2022. He came through the academy at Leeds and made his debut in 2017. He has also represented England Knights but has struggled with injuries in his career so far.
Bodene Thompson has also made the switch from Headingley Stadium on a one-year deal. The 34-year-old has made more than 300 appearances in his career, including in the NRL, Super League and the Championship with Leigh.
More impressive signings
Michael Lawrence joins from Huddersfield on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old Jamaica international made more than 300 appearances for the Giants, and is now preparing for a new challenge.
Joining Lawrence from the John Smith’s Stadium are youngsters George Roby and Fenton Rodgers on season-long loans.
Another eye-catching signing includes Papua New Guinea international Keven Appa, who recently featured at the delayed 2021 World Cup in England. The 23-year-old was part of the Kumuls side that reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, and joins from the PNG Hunters.
Half-back Tom Holmes also makes the switch from Featherstone Rovers on a two-year deal.
Headlining the club’s departures is former captain Steve Crossley, who has joined League 1 side Hunslet for 2023.
The likes of Aaron Murphy, Ben Evans, Elliot Kear and Matty Dawson-Jones have also left the club for pastures new.
It is an impressive squad shaping up at Odsal Stadium for 2023, who will be looking to return to the play-offs in the upcoming season.
Bradford Bulls 2023 squad so far
Forwards: Michael Lawrence, Keven Appo, George Roby (loan), Fenton Rodgers (loan), Michael Hoyle, Bodene Thompson, Dalton Desmond-Walker, Sam Scott, George Flanagan, Chester Butler, Jordan Baldwinson, Ebon Scurr, Brad England, Brad Foster.
Backs: Max Clarke, Jack Walker, David Foggin-Johnston, Ben Blackmore, Kieran Gill, Dec Patton, Jordan Lilley, Billy Jowitt, Tom Holmes.
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