Bradford Bulls have bolstered their forward pack by signing James Bell from Hull FC, reuniting the former Scotland international with former teammates and an ex-coach.

Bell, who departed the MKM Stadium just 12 months into a three-year contract, has been swooped up by Bradford as they aim to build on a wooden spoon campaign in their first season back in the top flight.

The club have made some big signings, especially in the forward pack with James Bentley and John Bateman returning to the club. They have also signed Grand Final-winning pair Cam Scott and Lachlan Walmsley.

Including loan deals that have become permanent, Bell becomes addition number 10 for the Bulls this off-season, and the 32-year-old is eager to embark on the opportunity.

Having already outlined his joy for reuniting with Kurt Haggerty, the Bulls head coach reciprocated that notion, revealing how thrilled he is to get the chance to work with Bell once more.

The pair worked together at Leigh Leopards in 2021. They were known as the Centurions then, and it was Leigh’s final spell in Super League under that moniker, with the Leopards print rebrand coming in 2023.

Haggerty took over as interim boss when John Duffy departed his role. Bell played 18 games that season, and was a standout in a side that suffered relegation. His efforts earned him a move to St Helens, where he would be part of the Grand Final-winning roster in 2022.

“James Bell is a fantastic signing for the Bradford Bulls,” Haggerty said to club media. “Firstly, I know James and his family very well from our previous time working together, and we have always stayed in touch. He is a great person who cares about the environment he works in.

The boss also confirmed what position the New Zealand-born talent would take up, with the veteran able to play in both the back row and at 13.

He revealed: “James is a specialist ball-playing loose forward and suits our style of play perfectly. He is a highly skilled rugby player who defends well above his weight, and I am really looking forward to working alongside James again.”

New Bradford Bulls recruit excited to rekindle partnership with former teammate

Haggerty isn’t the only familiar face that Bell will have around him in 2027, with Hull FC teammate Ligi Sao also making the move to Odsal.

As well as spending the 2026 season together, the pair go back even further than that, with the two also spending time together down under.

Asked what Sao will bring to the club, Bell said in an interview with BullsTV: “He’s a competitor. He’ll never let you down.

“Anyone who’s played with Ligi will tell you the exact same. You can trust him.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Ligi. I grew up playing with Ligi over in New Zealand, so it’s good to keep that relationship alive.”

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