New Bradford Bulls signing Sam Eseh Jr has opened up on his departure from Super League champions Wigan Warriors, revealing why he committed his long-term future to the Odsal club.
The highly-rated 23-year-old prop has penned a three-year deal with the Bulls ahead of the 2027 campaign following conversations with Wigan management regarding his need for regular first-team rugby.
Having previously enjoyed productive loan spells across Super League and the Championship, including stints at Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC, Barrow Raiders, and Featherstone Rovers under Brian McDermott, Sam Eseh Jr admitted the vision presented by the Bulls hierarchy made his decision an easy one.
Sam Eseh Jr. opens up on leaving Wigan Warriors and signing a three-year deal at Odsal
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Reflecting on how the move unfolded, Eseh explained that conversations regarding his playing time at Wigan prompted him to seek a new challenge where he could anchor a forward pack.
“It was over the course of a few weeks. Me and my agent had the conversation with Wigan, we obviously weren’t planning to… we had the conversation about not staying and stuff like that, and potentially moving on,” He said.
“Then obviously other opportunities came, and I had a meeting with Kurt [Haggerty], Jason [Hirst], and Brian Noble. We didn’t actually talk rugby for quite a long time; it was more just about the people at Bradford, the way the club is, the way the club’s going, and the ambitions for the club as well.
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“I just think from that first meeting with them, I could see how much Jason loved the club, I could see how much Brian loved the club, and I could see how committed and how much Kurt loved the club as well. I just think it was something that I really wanted to be a part of: it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.”
Addressing the security of a three-year contract, Sam added: “It’s a privilege, a massive privilege. Obviously the club’s on a journey to exceed and be successful, and it’s something that I can’t wait to be a part of.”
On relocations, connecting with fans, and Odsal atmosphere
To fully immerse himself in his new environment, Eseh confirmed he is relocating directly to the Bradford area to eliminate travel strain and connect with the local community.
“Right from the start, I said immediately I’d come and move local because it just makes things a lot easier,” Eseh revealed. “For anyone in any industry, being close to where you work is a benefit. I’m moving to Bradford, so the people of Bradford, I’ll be living amongst them and living with them.
“They’re the people that we’re playing for, the people that get us through probably the tough times. I’ve met some lovely people already. From what I’ve seen, it’s a real tight-knit and close family unit at the Bradford Bulls.”
Looking ahead to making his home debut under the Odsal lights, he expressed his excitement for the famous atmosphere.
“I’m actually really looking forward to it. The derby games, when all the fans are banging on the floor and on the tunnel, I think it’s an amazing feeling, especially at night when all the lights are up and the fireworks are going off. It’ll be an amazing feeling for the first time stepping out.”
