Bradford Bulls have REJECTED interest from multiple Super League clubs, having decided not to go down the dual-registration path with a side in the top flight for the 2024 season.

While West Yorkshire neighbours Wakefield Trinity will link up with Super League Grand Final winners Wigan, and bitter rivals Featherstone Rovers will partner Hull KR, Bradford have sprung a shock by not joining them.

Yesterday afternoon, Bradford announced they had arranged a January friendly with Hull FC at Odsal, just hours after confirming they would have a dual registration announcement to share today.

That led to speculation that Bulls would be linking up with the men from East Yorkshire, while Leeds Rhinos, Bulls’ dual-registration partners for the last few years, looked like the obvious partnership for Eamon O’Carroll’s side.

Yet Bulls have decided to do without next season, meaning some of Super League’s brightest young talents will not be coming over to the club to temporarily play in the red, amber and black.

In a club statement this lunchtime, Bradford said: “Bradford Bulls can officially announce their decision to forgo the use of dual registration with any Super League club for the upcoming 2024 season.

“This decision was carefully reached by the club's leadership and coaching team after receiving several expressions of interest from Super League clubs, who all recognised the benefits of forging such a relationship with the Bulls.

“The decision reflects the club's ongoing commitment towards developing and maximising the potential of their own young players and gives them the opportunity to have first grasp on a first team shirt. 

“The club is open to dual registration with other Championship or League One clubs should it benefit all concerned parties and as such will review this on an ongoing basis.”