HOMEGROWN HERO RETURNS!

Super League’s Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the return of homegrown, try scoring sensation Ethan Ryan on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old made his professional debut for the Bulls against London Broncos in 2016, starting as he meant to go on with his first four-pointer – having graduated through the club’s Elite Academy pathway system.

Ethan went on to make 98 appearances in the red, amber and black – scoring an incredible 88 tries.

Four years at Hull Kingston Rovers followed before a move to Salford Red Devils, working under the tutelage of Paul Rowley and newly appointed Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty. 

The Ireland international ended the 2025 season at Betfred Championship outfit Oldham and feels he’s coming back a more rounded player to fulfil a childhood dream. 

Ethan Ryan said: 

“I watched the club as a Season Ticket holder in Super League but never got the chance to play for the club in Super League so it’s massive for Bradford and massive for the sport as a whole. 

“I left the club to take on a challenge in Super League, I was in the Bradford set up from being a kid to when I was in the First Team and something I always wanted to do was play Super League with the Bulls.

“The whole point of leaving Bradford when I did was to challenge myself and develop and that’s something I’ve definitely done. I was at Hull KR for four years, crossed to Salford for another two so I’ve learned a lot in that time away and I’ve grown as a person and as a player. 

“I’m definitely a more rounded player and hopefully with that experience I can bring something to the side. When I was coming through there was a lot of experienced players offering help and advice and hopefully I can bring some of that to the team. 

“I played with Haggy [Kurt Haggerty] when I first broke through at Bradford and obviously worked under him at Salford - he’s a great coach. The detail to what he does is a credit to him, he was a really hands on assistant coach and his knowledge of the sport and his tactics are almost like a breath of fresh air. He has been chomping at the bit to get a head coach gig somewhere to show everyone what he can do and there’s no better time or place than at Bradford. 

“It was a bit surreal to play against Bradford in March as it was my first time doing so, but it was nice to see the fans singing my name as I felt like I got on with them well when I was last at the club. I always put in 100 percent for the club and the badge and hopefully I can come pick up where I left off. Hopefully there’s going to be lots of fans back in love with the club and that this news can sort of unite a city and bring everyone back together.” 

Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: 

“I am extremely happy that we have added a player of Ethan Ryan’s calibre to our roster for the 2026 season. 

“First and foremost, Ethan is a fantastic person, who will bring professionalism and high standards to our environment. 

“When speaking with Ethan, his desire and excitement to return to the bulls was one of the main reasons we pushed to get this deal done. Ethan with bring speed, size and experience to our back line, welcome back!”