Andy Ackers embracing fresh mindset at Bradford Bulls after refusing to let Leeds Rhinos exit 'eat' him

The Rhinos broke from convention with a bold show of financial muscle, splashing the cash to take Ackers and Salford Red Devils team-mate Brodie Croft to Headingley.

As then chief executive Gary Hetherington put it, the deal represented Leeds' "biggest investment in one go since we signed Iestyn Harris in 1997".

Both players were backed to make a similar kind of impact, only for Ackers to call time on his spell early.

The hooker's move didn't quite go to plan, with a "freak hamstring injury" and a battle to regain his best form limiting his opportunities in 2025.

But despite not hitting the heights originally hoped for, Ackers carries no feelings of disappointment as he gets to grips with a new challenge at Bradford Bulls.

"No, not at all," he said.

"I've not had social media for about three years now so I don't really read anything that's being said, which is great for me.

"I did sign a three-year deal but my agent told me there might be an opportunity to get more game time. I had a long injury last year, lost a bit of form and struggled to get back in the team.

"There's no bitterness from me. It was a mutual agreement. You have a short career in rugby league and it's just business. You have to move on quickly in this sport; otherwise, it can eat you.

"I enjoyed my time at Leeds. I met some great lads and made some good memories.

"I'm confident that I can get my form back at Bradford."

Ackers made just 11 appearances last season, missing out on Leeds' first home play-off match in eight years with Jarrod O'Connor firmly established as Brad Arthur's leading hooker.

Now, though, the 31-year-old heads into 2026 with fresh optimism under a coach who helped bring out the best in him at Salford Red Devils.

Together with Kurt Haggerty, who earned his big break after years honing his craft as Paul Rowley's trusted lieutenant, Ackers is optimistic about helping Bradford defy expectations on their return to Super League.

"You meet the best friends in your life in this sport," he said.

"I'm fortunate to be in a position where Haggy knows me as a player and, more importantly, as a person. That goes a long way in rugby league.

"He told me that he'd love to have me with him and sold me the exciting project at Bradford.

"I think we've recruited pretty well. There's some Super League experience in there, like Ryan Sutton and Joe Mellor, and exciting young players in the likes of Ebon Scurr who I think will shine at this level.

"People are entitled to their opinions but there's a good buzz around the place. Hopefully we can get the club back firing like before in Super League. I think Haggy's style of play will shock a few teams.

"The mission is to create our own bit of history. I'm really excited to be a part of it. I'm loving it here so far."

Only three years ago, Ackers was representing England at a World Cup.

The experienced nine feels he is in the best place to rediscover that career-best form – but next season is less about proving himself and more about leading by example.

"All I can control is my actions and thought process," said Ackers.

"I know what I can deliver but it's just about being a bit more present in myself and not looking too far ahead or reading into what people think.

"It's a short-lived career. I'll be 32 on Christmas Day so I'm not getting any younger. I've got to add my experience and enjoy my team-mates' achievements when they make their Super League debut or get called up to play for their country. I know how exciting that is.

"I want to be a bit more of a leader and help other people in the room get better rather than focus on myself.

"I'll keep going to training every day trying to be one per cent better than the previous day."