Riley Dean was among several players that Bradford Bulls confirmed would be leaving at the end of the 2026 season and the playmaker has now landed a new club for 2027.
Bradford announced their end-of-season exits in two phases, first confirming that seven players would leave at the end of the season, before then making a decision on mid-season signing pair Riley Dean and Phoenix Steinwede.
Dean joined the Bulls in May to help plug the gap in their halves and he’d go on to play 15 games for Bradford after signing from Championship club Oldham, and now the playmaker has found a new deal in the second division.
Halifax Panthers have announced that they have signed Dean to bolster their ranks in 2027 after what was a difficult year for the club, teetering near the brink of a financial collapse that could have ended the club.
Instead, they came out of the other side with just a points deduction and they’ve made it clear that the rebuild is now on under Kyle Eastmond, and signing players of Dean’s quality certainly helps in their aim of rebuilding.
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Riley Dean signs for Halifax after Bradford Bulls’ spell
The 25-year-old is an experienced operator at Championship level, scoring 13 tries in 29 games during his time with Oldham in the second tier having helped them gain promotion the year prior.
He also impressed for Featherstone in 2023 and with half a season of Super League under his belt now, he’s sure to improve Halifax in their bid to rebuild.
Speaking on the move, Dean said: “I’m really looking forward to the season and pulling on the Halifax shirt. Being a Halifax lad and being a season ticket holder when I was a kid, it will really be a really surreal moment for me.”
“The goal for next year is to be back competing at the top end. It was a tough year for the club last year and seeing the character of the club is a testament to everyone involved. I can’t wait to be a part of it and get us back to where we belong.”
Riley Dean is the latest to addition to Kyle’s squad for the 2027 season! 🙌
“I’m really looking forward to the season and pulling on the Halifax shirt. Being a Halifax lad and being a season ticket holder when I was a kid, it will really be a really surreal moment for me.”… pic.twitter.com/4tAkk0GBX5
— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) September 21, 2026
