Ryan Sutton: Back like the Bulls

Bradford Bulls aren’t the only thing back in Super League. Ryan Sutton is too!

The Bulls are about to make their return to Super League for the first time in 12 years and aren’t just here to make up the numbers, according to their statement signing and new vice-captain Sutton.

The pair go well together, with Sutton arriving with pedigree and leadership for his second stint in the Super League, having previously played for Wigan Warriors.

His next venture then took him to Australia for the next seven years, where he played for Canberra Raiders and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL, before deciding to move back home to England for 2026.

“It was a very good experience. I went over there unknown by a lot of the Australian players, so I had a bit of a point to prove.

“I went over there just thinking I've got an opportunity and need to make a crack of it.

“I had a good three years at the Raiders – the club got to the Grand Final one year and I probably played a lot of my good rugby league at the Raiders under Ricky Stuart.

“I loved it, especially having the English connection there with a few of the boys that came over.”

Sutton shone during his time at Canberra but after leaving to join Canterbury, was struck with some injury hell which meant his rugby league life became a frustrating and difficult one.

“I transitioned over the Bulldogs after the Raiders. It was, admittedly, a time in my career that ended up being a bit of a rollercoaster ride.

“The first year was really good. I got some good games in and then unfortunately got a pretty serious injury for the last two years, and I didn't really get much rugby out of myself. This was disappointing because I knew I had a lot to give.

“I got an opportunity go over to the Gold Cost Titans to give it a crack there, but it didn’t happen in the end because I was still finding my feet and getting through the back end of my rehab.

“I ended up playing for the reserves and had a good game, but again it was the unluckiness of injury, and I ruptured my bicep. Unfortunately, that's what can happen in sport.

“The opportunity then came up to come back home and come to Bradford Bulls, and here I am.”

Fast forward to present day and Sutton is gearing up for the Bulls’ big return, hoping they can make a mark in their comeback season.

“It’s been really good so far,” said Sutton.

“The quality of the training that Kurt [Haggerty]’s got at the Bulls has been really good. The skillset has been high, and the energy has been great.

“I had a good chat with Kurt about coming over and what he wanted from the club, and it was all very exciting.

“Moving to Australia was honestly something that I can pat myself on the back and think, not a lot of English players have done that and stayed over there for seven years and played a lot of games, so I'm really happy with that.”

And since returning home, Sutton hasn’t looked back:

“There was always the intention of coming back home.

“I had to decide what was best for myself and my family. My kids haven't seen their grandparents for a long time, so that was a big factor as well, and getting to come over here and show my family where I'm from.

“On top of that, it was also being able to play in the Super League competition that's changed a lot in the seven years that I've been away.

“Since then, it’s expanded to 14 teams, Magic Weekend has been at different venues, and the quality of the rugby league over here is really good because Super League sides have won the last two World Club Challenges.”

The Bulls are one of the most decorated clubs in Super League history. Their first title came in 1997, and from there, a dynasty quickly followed. Bradford have reached six Grand Finals, winning three, and also became the first team to win the treble in the modern era.

Their early days were defined by Bullmania, and there’s a buzz in the city of Bradford once more, with their promotion breathing life back into both the club and the community.

“To see such a good club in Bradford come back up to Super League, it was a non-negotiable really and seeing what they want to achieve,” Sutton continued.

“I’m excited for 2026 because it’s a clean slate.

“There’s a new coach and there’s new players. There are so many good names in this team and names I've played with and played against.

“We want to stamp our name on the Super League. We’re not just going to come here and be a part of it; we're going to come here and compete. That’s the main thing we want to do.”

There is lots to look forward to in the Betfred Super League 2026, with Sutton eyeing up a couple of fixtures in particular:

“I’m looking forward to playing Hull KR and Wigan Warriors – those games are the pinnacle of rugby league. And then also Leeds Rhinos – the derby will be an absolutely great game to play in.

“I just want to be playing some consistent rugby league. I'm feeling good physically and I'm really looking forward to just playing.

“I think as a professional rugby league player, that's all you want to do. You don't want to sit on the side-line. With that said, I'm going to look after myself and I'm going to get as much rugby league as I can into me.”

The Bulls have a sensational sixteen new additions to their side in 2026 alongside powerful prop Sutton, who has a Super Grand Final victory under his belt, as well as a breadth of NRL experience.

Notable individuals such as Andy Ackers, Esan Marsters and Jayden Nikorima have also linked up with Bradford for 2026, showing that the Bulls have assembled a healthy squad with the intention of challenging the other teams in the competition.

“We’ve got an unreal squad. We know we’ve got to keep improving as a club, but the really good thing at the moment is our connection and camaraderie.

“I think you'll be very surprised at where the Bradford Bulls will finish in the Super League – I think we'll surprise a few. We’re not just here to make up the numbers, we're going to be a club that will compete week in week in out.”

Will the Bulls turn heads in Round 1 when they travel to face Hull FC on Saturday?

Will you be following Sutton and the Bulls in 2026?

Watch Hull FC v Bradford Bulls on Saturday 14 February, live on BBC, Sky Sports+ and SuperLeague+ (K.O. 5.30pm).