BULLS have announced that they have entered into a dual-registration partnership with Super League side Hull FC for the 2022 season.

They will once again link up with Brett Hodgson’s Airlie Birds, having originally entered a partnership in the Covid-curtailed 2020 campaign.

Hull FC players will be available for the Bradford Bulls when not selected by their head coach Hodgson.

And the deal will prove particularly fruitful due to the long-awaited return of the reserves competition in 2022, which has been on a two-year hiatus due to the aforementioned Covid-19 pandemic.

The new reserves competition will 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, to celebrate the career of legendary half-back Danny Brough, which will be announced shortly.

Bulls boss John Kear, who coached Hull between 2005 and 2006, 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 (Wood) and myself have a very good relationship with (chief executive) James Clark and the management at Hull FC, they are one of the premier clubs in the sport and have assembled a strong squad for the new season.

“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 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.

“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.”