Wigan Warriors old-boy swaps NRL for Super League new-boys
Former Wigan Warriors prop Ryan Sutton is on his way back from Australia after joining Super League new-boys Bradford Bulls.
Sutton, who came through the ranks at Wigan before leaving his hometown club in 2018 to pursue a career in the NRL with Canberra Raiders, has signed a one-year deal at Odsal with an option for a further 12 months.
“I'm really excited to be joining the Bradford Bulls," said Sutton. "Getting back into Super League is such an exciting time for everyone in the community and I'm really looking forward to being a part of history with this great team.
“I can't wait to get over to England and meet the team, coaches and especially you fans ahead of the 2026 season, I can't wait to get stuck in!”
Sutton made his professional debut for Wigan against the Bulls in 2014, and went on to win two Super League Grand Finals for the Cherry and Whites.
His form saw him attract the attention of the Raiders, where he spent five years before joining Canterbury Bulldogs in 2023.
Sutton’s first season at Canterbury saw him link up with Luke Thompson, before the latter – a fellow Wiganer – returned to England with the Warriors.
Having been released by the Bulldogs earlier this year, he spent the rest of the season with the Gold Coast Titans, although injuries prevented him from making a single appearance.
“After speaking to Ryan on a couple of occasions over the last week I knew he was the perfect fit for the Bulls, he is ultra-competitive, physical and ambitious," said Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty.
“He is a massive statement signing for the club. He will bring a wealth of experience and a healthy competitive nature to the team.”
Injuries restricted Sutton to only 13 appearances over the last three years, with a serious knee problem even threatening to end his career.
But after undergoing surgery, the 30-year-old is adamant he has plenty of rugby left in him.
“There was that (retirement) conversation and that’s where they were coming from,” he told the Australian Daily Telegraph. ”Retirement did come into my head a few times especially when I did it the second time.
“I had a bit of time to reflect and speak with my wife. We were both like, ‘No’. I’ve done this my whole life. It was the only major injury I’ve had.
"A lot of people struggled to come back to it but a lot of people aren’t me. If people tell me to do something, I will prove you wrong. I’ll say, ‘I can show you’.
“That’s been my mentality towards anything. If someone wants me to medically retire and it’s not my decision, I’ll tell you no. I feel like I am fitter than ever and my body is in the best shape it has been in for years.”
“I am ready and raring to go pre-season. It is the first opportunity that I’ve had in the last two to go into day one and be fully fighting fit. I’ve been non-stop training. The knee is feeling unbelievable."