Rugby League Enthusiasts Eagerly Await Bradford Bulls’ Future as Club Signs Promising Teenager
In a move that has rugby league fans buzzing, the Bradford Bulls have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Jacob Bateman, the cousin of former Bull and current NRL star John Bateman. The young second-rower has become the latest Academy graduate to secure a professional contract with the Championship club.
The announcement of Bateman’s two-year deal came during a fan forum hosted by the Bulls, where the club provided an update on their progress at the midpoint of the season and shared their vision for the future. The signing is a testament to the strength of the club’s junior pathway system, with head coach Eamon O’Carroll praising the efforts of the coaching staff in developing the next generation of talent.
“It’s brilliant and hopefully there’s many more to come, there is a young, exciting group coming through who are even younger than Jacob, the staff including Ryan Hunkin, Glenn Morrison, Martyn Oxbury and Jonathan Schofield are doing a fantastic job with our younger players.”
Bateman, who made his debut for the Bulls in May against the Sheffield Eagles, is regarded as one of the club’s rising prospects. The 18-year-old, who is 12 years younger than his more experienced cousin, is set to play a key role in the team’s future as they look to build upon their successes.
The club’s decision to retain their young talent, rather than serving as a selling club, has been widely praised by rugby league enthusiasts. In Jacob Bateman, the Bulls believe they have a player who can develop and thrive within the Bradford system, ultimately contributing to the club’s long-term success.
Alongside the signing of Bateman, the Bulls also confirmed the arrival of Nathon Mason, a former Huddersfield Giants prop, who will join the team in 2025 after a brief loan spell in 2023.
As the Bradford Bulls continue to invest in their youth and build a strong foundation for the future, fans can look forward to the emergence of more promising talents like Jacob Bateman, who are poised to write the next chapter in the club’s rich history.
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