Joe Mellor extends Bradford Bulls deal to 2027 — Bbc Rugby League

Joe Mellor has signed a new one-year extension with Bradford Bulls, keeping the 35-year-old at the club until the end of the 2027 Super League season. For Bradford, it secures their captain as they settle back into Super League with a 3-2 start from their opening five fixtures.

Mellor Stays at Bradford

The deal gives Bradford another season with Mellor in place after he arrived in the off-season to bolster the squad for the club's return to Super League. He is currently sidelined with injury, but he said the decision felt straightforward after the way the team began the campaign.

“I’m really happy to be staying, it’s been really good since I arrived especially coming back into Super League.” Mellor also said, “It’s something that I think is good for Super League, Bradford being back in it as well.”

Haggerty Backing His Captain

Bradford head coach Kurt Haggerty said Mellor had earned the extension through what he has brought to the team. He called him a captain, a leader and “a silent leader,” adding that the club are working with regards to recruitment for 2027.

“It shows how quickly the club are working with regards to recruitment for 2027, Joe has certainly earned a new contract with the club with his contribution so far as captain and leader of the team and there’s no better person to keep around the environment.” Haggerty also said, “It was a calculated risk putting Joe at 13, leading the team around from the middle instead of being on an edge or at hooker but I think it’s worked really well and he has complemented the team.”

Joe Mellor At 13

Mellor said the move to 13 was another new challenge after shifting from half-back to nine over the last few years. He said, “I’m just playing a half-back role in the middle, I have to make a few more tackles but I’m enjoying it,” and added, “I’m loving playing the big minutes and just being in and around most of the action on the field.”

That role change has become part of Bradford's early-season picture, with Mellor saying the club's start helped make his decision and that the team Haggerty has assembled has been “really good.” Even while he is out injured, Bradford now has one more season of certainty around a player they trusted to lead from the middle.