Bradford Bulls sign ex-Salford hooker Mellor

Joe Mellor scored nine tries in 33 appearances for Salford Red Devils

Bradford Bulls have signed former Salford Red Devils hooker Joe Mellor on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old is the Bulls' 14th new signing ahead of their return to Super League and joins former Salford team-mates Jayden Nikorima, Ethan Ryan and Loghan Lewis.

Mellor came through Wigan's academy and spent most of his career with Widnes Vikings, making 178 appearances for the club.

"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," he said.

"[Head coach] Kurt [Haggerty] being here was a massive draw, he knows how I like to play and I know the style of rugby he wants to play and having so many players familiar with him and his brand of rugby will certainly help."

Mellor also turned out for Toronto Wolfpack and Leigh Leopards, the latter of which he helped to the 1895 Cup and promotion from the Championship in 2022, while he also won the Challenge Cup the following year.

"He has won numerous Super League games, he won the Challenge Cup a few years ago so this is a really big signing, a very important signing for us," Haggerty said.

"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."