Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of powerful former Super League forward Nathan Mason on an 18-month deal.

The 30-year-old is back in the red, amber and black after a brief loan spell in 2023, where he scored twice on debut against Swinton Lions.

He then played in their next game, a win at Keighley Cougars in the Summer Bash, but he fractured his arm and returned to parent club Huddersfield Giants.

Mason has represented London Broncos, Leigh Leopards and Huddersfield in the sport’s top tier, having come through the academy system at the Giants to make his senior bow over a decade ago.

Bradford boss Eamon O’Carroll has admitted he tried to make Mason’s stay permanent last season, but is delighted to have secured his signature this time around to bolster his pack.

O’Carroll recalled: “I remember having a conversation with Nathan when I was in France, after he scored two tries on his debut but then broke his arm.

“We were keen to keep him here, because he came and impressed with what he did on the field but more importantly, with how he was off it to.

“He took the decision to go back to Australia (with Corrimal Cougars in the Illawarra Rugby League) and back himself, which is fantastic, but when we heard about his availability we got straight in touch.

“It was an easy one for us and I look forward to working with him.

“I know his capability, he’s played at a high level and I am excited to see where we can get with him.

“Hopefully I will have some difficult decisions to make and the opportunity to rotate now, which will help us further down the line towards the back end of the season.

“Competition is really important and we haven’t had that yet.

“We lost two key individuals, in terms of Michael Lawrence and Daniel Smith, for long periods, so to bring in quality like Nathan certainly helps.”