Bradford Bulls have announced that the surprising news that Zac Fulton has U-turned and signed a two-year deal, which will see him rejoin the club until the end of the 2026 season.

The 23-year-old arrived at Odsal back in March and became an instant fans’ favourite, scoring 12 tries in his opening 14 appearances including a debut score against rivals Halifax Panthers.

The talented back-row forward made 26 appearances in his inaugural year in the red, amber and black, playing a key role in the Bulls’ two semi-final appearances throughout the year.

Fulton scored a sensational try in the last-four of the 1895 Cup against eventual winners Wakefield, and seemed to be right at home on the big stage.

But he was confirmed as one of 14 end-of-season departures from Odsal, despite the club attempting to keep hold of him.

Announcing Fulton’s exit, Bulls revealed they had offered him a contract extension, but said the second row had instead chosen to return Down Under

But that is no longer the case, meaning he rejoins a healthy Australian contingent in BD6, which includes Mitch Souter, Tyran Ott and Jayden Okunbor.

Bulls’ new boss Brian Noble, who worked with Fulton closely as part of the coacjing staff last season, has spoken of his delight at Fulton’s return.

The club legend insists the Aussie ace ticks all the boxes for what he’s looking for in his squad next term.

He beamed: “I am really pleased with this.

“Everyone saw Zac didn’t miss many games last year and he added to our mix.

“People might not know that he is an outstanding young man too, who is good fun and understands the game of rugby league.

“The rest of the players liked him, the fans liked him and I like him, so it is brilliant to get him back on board.”

Zac Fulton (29) gets mobbed by his delighted team-mates after scoring a try in Bulls' league win at Dewsbury back in June.Zac Fulton (29) gets mobbed by his delighted team-mates after scoring a try in Bulls' league win at Dewsbury back in June. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Noble added: “We are knocking together a squad that has some experience at the highest level.

“To climb the mountain, you need to know how to do it and play at that level and Zac falls into that category.

“We will all be judged by our effort areas and attitude, as they are the main criteria for building a squad.

“He adds to us in both areas, he is a good human being and he understands the game, where to run as a back rower and how to run.

“We are all working hard to get better, my criteria is to make improvements each week and understanding that you can improve as an individual and collectively as units.

“You have to be committed to improving and getting better everywhere we can and he certainly ticks that box.”