Bradford Bulls have announced the signing of London Broncos prop Emmanuel Waine. The Papua New Guinea international will join the Bulls at Odsal next season after agreeing to a two-year deal.
It’s another significant move by Bradford Bulls, who are currently excelling in the Championship and have already secured several signings for the 2025 season, including former Hull FC player Jayden Okunbor.
The Bulls confirmed Waine’s signing in a statement on their website. The Papua New Guinea powerhouse will join his fellow countryman Kevin Appo, who recently extended his contract until the end of the 2026 season.
What makes Bradford’s signing of Emmanuel Waine even more impressive is their claim that they successfully fended off Super League competition to secure him. Waine was a standout performer in the Championship during London Broncos’ 2023 promotion campaign.
The 27-year-old has only appeared in four games of the 2024 Super League season for the Broncos due to a series of injury issues, with his most recent appearance coming in Round 18 against Leigh Leopards.
Bradford Bulls announce Super League capture
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A statement on Bradford Bulls’ website confirmed the arrival of Waine for 2025.
It read: “Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce we’ve seen off competition from Super League sides to secure the signature of Emmanuel Waine on a two-year deal from the start of the 2025 season.
“The 27-year-old Papua New Guinea powerhouse impressed in the Rugby League World Cup held in 2022, earning a move to London Broncos in 2023. The Bulls would like to thank the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association for their support.”
“Having been awarded man of the match on debut, Waine played a crucial role in the Broncos’ Grand Final victory and their subsequent promotion to Super League.
“He will join fellow Kumuls star Keven Appo, who recently signed a new two-year deal to extend his stay at the club until the end of 2026.”
What Eamon O’Carroll said on star signing
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Bradford Bulls head coach Eamon O’Carroll expressed his enthusiasm about signing Emmanuel Waine: “I am really pleased and excited to bring in someone of Emmanuel’s quality. He is a powerful player who breaks tackles and has shown his competitiveness in Super League.
“He has the versatility to play both in the middle and in the back row, which adds valuable depth to our squad. I’m excited to bring him to the club; he’s moving up with his family and will bring a new dynamic to our team. He has great balance in everything he does, is destructive in his carries, and possesses impressive leg speed and power. Defensively, he hits hard and will fit well into what we are building here. He also has the ability to play on the edge and is a well-rounded player who is eager to improve.”
“We started talking with Emmanuel early, which helped us see off Super League competition. He has great ambition to play in Super League, but he’s committed to our journey, which is really exciting. I’m sure he’ll become a fans’ favorite.
“Having another threat similar to Kev [Appo] in the team was appealing. Emmanuel will fit well with how we want to play. Our attack hasn’t been developing as we hoped, so it’s crucial we bring in recruits who will complement that and help our attack evolve.”