Leeds Rhinos rivals make 14th addition for Super League return as Salford Red Devils man signs on
Promoted Bradford Bulls have made their 14th signing ahead of next year’s return to the top-flight.
Leeds Rhinos will face Bulls three times in Betfred Super League 2026, including in both rivals rounds and during July’s Magic Weekend at Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The sides also meet in a January pre-season match for Leeds co-captain Cameron Smith’s testimonial.
Bulls, under new coach Kurt Haggerty, are rebuilding their squad after finishing third in the Championship last year and half-back/hooker Joe Mellor is their latest addition, having joined them from Salford Red Devils on a one-year contract. Mellor, who is celebrating his 35th birthday today (Friday) previously featured for Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and Leigh.
He has played under Haggerty in the past and said: “It’s exciting times for the whole club. It’s exciting to be back in Super League and I wanted to stay in Super League as I still feel I have got a lot to offer.
“Kurt being here was a massive draw. He knows how I like to play, I know the style of rugby he wants and having so many players familiar with him and his brand of rugby will certainly help.”
Haggerty added: “I’ve worked with Joe at nearly every club I’ve been to and I’ve pushed to get him at every club I’ve been to because he understands the style of play I want. He is a fantastic person, the ultimate competitor and a very good, established Super League player. He can play in multiple positions and he knows my style.
“This is a really big signing, a very important signing for us. He’s a player that probably goes under the radar; he is probably undervalued, but he is someone I think highly of and I think he is a fantastic player.”