Bradford Bulls have welcomed back former player Nathan Graham back to the club, this time in a coaching capacity as he takes on the role of Pathways assistant coach.

The 52-year-old featured for the Bulls in a 16-year long playing career that also saw him represent Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, York Knights and Batley Bulldogs.

After retirement, Graham has enjoyed spells as assistant coach at Keighley Cougars and Dewsbury, while also taking to the reins as Scotland Rugby League’s head coach in 2019, a position he still holds currently.

Having donned the Bulls jersey during his playing days, Graham now brings his extensive coaching experience to the next generation of players.

Reflecting on his return, Graham expressed his excitement about being back at Odsal, this time helping to nurture young talent.

He said: “Obviously, I played for the club, so I have a bit of an affinity with it. 

“I'm looking forward to getting back into week-to-week coaching, as opposed to just one-offs with internationals.

I prefer to be hands-on all the time, so I’m really looking forward to working with these young guys and helping them get ready to make their first-team debuts.

“I’ve coached players in this age group for a long time, from under-19s to under-23s with Scotland.

"I know how they tick, and it’s an age where they’re really open to learning.

"That’s something I’m really looking forward to tapping into.

“Everyone develops differently, so it’s about finding the qualities they’re good at and making those even better.

"But it’s also about helping them work on what they need to improve on to bring other aspects of their game up to the same standard.”

With his own career experience to draw upon, Graham understands the pressures young players face as they transition from academy rugby to professional ranks.

He said: “I transitioned to full-time training at 22 or 23, a little older than these guys, but things have moved on massively since then.

“It’s a big ask for these players, especially when they’re balancing work and rigorous training schedules.

"We have to make sure they’re not only physically ready but mentally supported as well.”

Graham is also excited about the club’s progress, particularly the first team's two third-placed Betfred Championship finishes over the last couple of seasons.

This Jorge Taufua try in a win over Batley last month helped Bulls finish third with a couple of games to spareThis Jorge Taufua try in a win over Batley last month helped Bulls finish third with a couple of games to spare (Image: Tom Pearson.)

He said: “I’ve seen a lot of progress over the last few years, and it’s all looking good.

“Hopefully, we can push a few of these young guys through to the first team and see them playing well.

"It’s massive for the club and the city to have local talent representing Bradford.”

Head of youth Ryan Hunkin said: “I am delighted to welcome Nathan Graham to the Bradford Bulls as an assistant coach to Jonathan Schofield.

“Nathan brings a wealth of experience to the role from his playing and coaching career and it is a real coup for us as a club to be able to bring him back as part of our Pathways system.

“We have a really exciting group of players making their way through our system and they will undoubtedly benefit from working with Nathan throughout 2025.

“I would also like to wish Nathan the best of luck with Scotland against Ireland in his role as head coach this weekend.”

Graham will be one of two assistants to newly-appointed Pathways head coach Jonathan Schofield in 2025, with further announcements to follow this week.