Hull FC and Bradford Bulls have announced the return of their dual-registration partnership for the 2022 season.
The Black & Whites have teamed up with the high-profile Betfred Championship side once again having linked up ahead of the 2020 season, before the Covid pandemic curtailed the initiative last season.
Hull FC players will be available for the Bradford Bulls when not selected by FC head coach Brett Hodgson, alongside the return of the club’s reserve grade team in 2022.
The new reserves competition will also allow the movement of players both ways when required to maximise playing opportunities for both squads and the opportunity to nurture some of the best young talent in both squads.
In addition, the clubs will work closely off the field sharing best practice in several areas, as well as the opportunity for joint training sessions.
The sides will also meet in a pre-season friendly which will be announced shortly.
The Bulls will provide a competitive playing opportunity for Hull FC squad members, with the former Super League champions pushing for a return to the top-flight in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive Championship season.
Bradford are coached by former FC favourite John Kear, who led the club to Challenge Cup success in 2005.
Speaking about the partnership, Kear said: “We are delighted to be able to rekindle our partnership with Hull FC as we look to build on what we started in 2020.
“There will be opportunities throughout the season for us to work closely with Hull at first-team and reserve grade level and it should present genuine benefits for the players, the coaches and the supporters.
“Nigel and myself have a very good relationship with James and the management at Hull FC, they are one of the sports premier clubs and have assembled a strong squad for the new season.”
He added, “We hope both clubs will be up there in the respective competitions this season and the partnership can be of benefit to both organisations.”
Meanwhile, Hull FC head coach, Brett Hodgson, also said: “We are really looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Bulls again.
“I have a lot of respect for John and his team and we saw the benefit of players like Mitch Vulikijapani joining Bradford last season and I can see a number of our players, including our upcoming younger players, benefitting from the experience.
“With the return of the reserve grade next year too, we now have some fantastic playing opportunities for our players at all levels, as well as the opportunity to give Bradford players the chance to experience a different environment at Hull FC and vice versa.
“Bradford are one of the most recognisable names in rugby league in this country and it is clear to see they have an ambition to return to the Super League which is an exciting project to be aligned to.”
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