Promoted Bradford Bulls say they beat “competition from top Super League and NRL clubs” to make their latest signing.

Ex-Cook Islands and New Zealand international outside-back Esan Marsters has joined the Betfred Super League newcomers - who will face Leeds Rhinos three times in 2026, including Magic Weekend and rivals round - on a three-year deal. Marsters played in Australia for Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans before spending two seasons with Huddersfield Giants and was at now-defunct Salford Red Devils in 2025.

Bradford boss Kurt Haggerty, who coached him at Salford, said: “Esan is a player that has been chased by numerous Super League clubs and NRL clubs, so to actually get him over the line to play for the Bulls is a massive acquisition for us. He’s talented, he has got unbelievable footwork and his defence is very, very solid. He's a player that will certainly excite the Bradford fans. This is another statement signing for the club.”

Esan Marsters, seen on the ball for Salford Red Devils against Leigh leopards in April, has become Bradford Bulls' latest siging. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

Marsters, 29, joins former Salford teammates Jayden Nikorima, Loghan Lewis and Joe Mellor in Bulls’ 2026 squad. He said: “Knowing some of the boys and Kurt already was one of the reasons I signed here. I really like the way Kurt coaches and the way he goes about his business.

“He is straight to the point which is good for a player. I’ve seen him speak about the way he wants us to move the ball and have a high defensive system; we did that at Salford, so it is an easier transition for me to play that style. It’s a style I like to play too. I am really excited for the way we want to play and how we want to defend.”