Bradford Bulls will remain in Super League for another season, despite finishing the 2026 campaign with the wooden spoon.

For the first time since 2018, the side that finished the regular campaign last will not be relegated, with the competition’s structure for next season still unknown.

What we do know is that Kurt Haggerty’s men will be involved, and with a trip to Las Vegas to look forward to, the Odsal outfit are hoping for a campaign that is much more injury-free, with countless serious blows forcing them into playing a much weaker squad than they had hoped.

With some new additions set to add both punch in the pack and speed in the outside backs, Haggerty is continuously progressing his side for next season.

However, as we delve into below, there are still some key positions that need some depth added to them if they are to lift off the bottom spot in 2027.

The end of IMG, retiring Ryan Hall and Rugby League World Cup’s paywall problem – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show

A very early Bradford Bulls 2027 season preview

2027 ins: John Bateman (North Queensland), James Bentley (Warrington), Nathan Connell (Widnes), Sam Eseh (Wigan), Jack Ormondroyd (Oldham), Leon Ruan (Hull KR), Ligi Sao (Hull FC), Cam Scott (Wakefield), Lachlan Walmsley (Wakefield)

Most Read on Serious About Rugby League

2027 outs: Guy Armitage (released), Chris Atkin (released), Jacob Bateman (Dewsbury), Riley Dean (Halifax), Brandon Douglas (released), Sam Hallas (Dewsbury), Joe Keyes (released), Dan Russell (released), Mitch Souter (released), Phoenix Steinwede (released)

2027 squad depth and contract status:

Full-back: Caleb Aekins, Luke Hooley (2027), Nathan Connell (2028)

Wingers: Connor Wynne, Jayden Okunbor (2027), Ethan Ryan, Lachlan Walmsley (2028)

Centres: Waqa Blake (2027), Esan Marsters, Cam Scott (2028), Harvey Ward (unknown)

Halves: Rowan Milnes (2027), Jayden Nikorima (2028)

Props: Ebon Scurr, Jamie Gill, Loghan Lewis, Eribe Doro, Ligi Sao, Jack Ormondroyd (2027), Ryan Sutton (2028), Sam Eseh (2029), Cameron Bate, Alfie Leake (unknown)

Hooker: Andy Ackers (2027)

Back Row: Zac Fulton, Leon Ruan (2027), Eliot Peposhi, John Bateman (2028*), James Bentley (2029) – Bateman has an extension option for 2029

Loose Forward: Joe Mellor, Will Gardiner (2027)

Verdict:

The Bulls have been open about the fact they are searching for a new half-back, and with Nikorima fairly injury-prone and Milnes not playing since April, a new playmaker is something that the Bulls are hoping to bring in.

Staying with the spine, Bradford are healthy at full-back but could do with a hooker to complement Ackers. Souter has left the club, and whilst captain Mellor can fit in there, he’s much more effective as a loose forward.

The club have strengthened their pack with the signings of Bentley, Bateman and Sao, whilst the Grand Final-winning pair of Walmsley and Scott are a great pick-ups.

Bradford Bulls’ strongest XVII: Caleb Aekins, Ethan Ryan, Waqa Blake, Cam Scott, Lachlan Walmsley, Jayden Nikorima, Rowan Milnes, Ryan Sutton, Andy Ackers, Eribe Doro, James Bentley, John Bateman, Joe Mellor

Bench: Loghan Lewis, Ligi Sao, Sam Eseh, Luke Hooley