Hull FC announce dual-registration partnership with Championship club
Hull winger Mitieli Vulikijapani spent time on loan at Bradford last season
Super League club Hull FC have rekindled their dual-registration partnership with Championship giants Bradford for the 2022 season.
The clubs initially linked up ahead of the 2020 campaign. However, Covid cut the partnership short. The 2021 partnership also fell victim to Covid.
Hull’s fringe players will now get a chance to earn Championship experience for the Bulls when not selected. In addition, Bradford players will be able to play for Hull in the returning Reserves competition in 2022.
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Hull coach Brett Hodgson said: “We are really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Bulls again.
“I have a lot of respect for John (Kear) and his team. We saw the benefit of players like Mitch Vulikijapani joining Bradford last season. I can see a number of our players, including our upcoming younger players, benefitting from the experience.
“With the return of the reserve grade next year too, we now have some fantastic playing opportunities for our players at all levels, as well as the opportunity to give Bradford players the chance to experience a different environment at Hull FC and vice versa.
“Bradford are one of the most recognisable names in rugby league in this country. Its clear to see they have an ambition to return to the Super League which is an exciting project to be aligned to.”
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Bradford boss happy to reform Hull FC partnership
Bradford boss John Kear said: We are delighted to be able to rekindle our partnership with Hull FC as we look to build on what we started in 2020.
“There will be opportunities throughout the season for us to work closely with Hull at first team and reserve-grade level and it should present genuine benefits for the players, the coaches and the supporters.
“Nigel (Wood) and myself have a very good relationship with James (Clark) and the management at Hull FC, they are one of the sports premier clubs and have assembled a strong squad for the new season.
“We hope both clubs will be up there in the respective competitions this season. The partnership can be of benefit to both organisations.”
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