With Bradford preparing for their first campaign back in the top-flight since 2014, Hunter-Paul said the club’s location, fanbase and brand power gives them a platform comparable to the best in the competition.
“The City of Bradford has a population of around 600,000 people; next to Leeds, that makes it one of the biggest populations to draw from. So, the number of people that identify with the brand, Bradford, is huge.
“Thankfully, the Bradford Bulls has a big name too.
“There’s investment in the city, opportunities for businesses to get involved and a huge market opportunity. Sponsorship and investment results in team growth, and the results can then follow on the pitch.
“It’s how we measure success, though, because I want the club to continue with what they’ve been doing.
“However, the foundations that have been set means that the club can continue going from strength to strength.”
The work done by the Bradford board over the past few years has impressed club legend Robbie Paul, with CEO Jason Hirst at the heart of it (Image: Bradford Bulls)
He pointed to Wakefield Trinity’s recent resurgence as an example of what a promoted side can become with the right systems in place.
“Wakefield showed us the blueprint of how a Championship side can establish themselves amongst the best in Super League. So, let’s emulate that and put our own stamp on it.”
Hunter-Paul also believes the players will thrive in a return to full-time rugby league.
“It’s not a challenge; it’s a freedom,” he said.
“The players now don’t have to do their nine-to-five jobs, which can be distractions.
“The freedom that comes with playing full-time is something to be relished. For the majority of players, they’ll step up and love the experience.”
He added that full-time systems unlock the focus and professionalism required at the highest level.
“When you’ve got those distractions on your mind, you can’t put 100 per cent focus into what you’re doing on the field. This is something to savour as you very rarely get the opportunity to live this, and for many people it’s their dream.”
Players like Sam Hallas (front) will be going full-time for the first time in their careers (Image: Tom Pearson)
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Hunter-Paul said he is encouraged by the stability and long-term planning at Odsal.
“At the end of the day, I’m now a fan of this club; I’m not an administrator and I’m not a player. What do fans want? We want positive outcomes in games, and I think the club has the right structure in place to achieve exactly that.
“At the same time, I want to feel that the club is on the right foot and has the right people in charge to back a solid foundation.
“From my time as administrator, I discovered that the foundations need to be concrete and not made of quicksand, and I feel the club has a very solid foundation ahead of their return to Super League.”