Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce they have beaten off competition from a leading Super League club to secure the signing of Andy Ackers on a two-year deal from Leeds Rhinos.
The 31-year-old made his professional debut for Swinton in 2014 before spells at London Broncos and Toronto Wolfpack. His impressive performances for the Canadian outfit earned him a move to Salford Red Devils, where he earned the reputation of one of Super League’s top nines.
Ackers earned his first England call up for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup where he featured twice, scoring in the 94-4 victory over Greece. Ahead of the 2024 campaign, the Wigan Academy product made the switch to AMT Headingley Stadium in a high-profile move and has now made over 100 appearances in the sport’s top-flight.
Andy Ackers said:
“I am really excited, when my agent told me my time at Leeds was coming to an end and with Kurt getting the job at Bradford, it was a no brainer really. I worked with him at Toronto and Salford, he knows me as a bloke and vice versa. I trust him and he trusts me, Bradford is a massive club with a rich history and I cannot wait to get going again and get my love back for playing.”
“Kurt knows me as a person and as a player and that’s massive in Rugby League, we go back nearly 10 years when he started coaching me at Toronto, he knows what makes me tick and he’s a very smart coach and I am excited to work under him again. I believe he’ll get the best out of me and the team.”
“I still haven’t played my best rugby yet, the last couple of years have been a bit hit and miss but knowing Kurt and the relationship I have with him I really do think he’ll get the best out of me. I won’t just be relying on Kurt but also my mentality to come in and lead the squad, I just have a good feeling about this move."
“It’s a very exciting move for myself and my family. Kurt was a big influence but knowing everything the club have got planned behind the scenes and the team they are recruiting, it sounds the right fit for me. Bradford have re-established themselves now, it is a fresh challenge for me and something I am proud to be a part of."
“I’m a bit of an older head now, I am 31 with a lot of experience playing in Super League and for my country so that’s the kind of player and person I’ll be coming in to be. I know there’ll be young lads stepping up into a full-time environment so if I can add my part and my experience it will be good for the club and myself."
“I’ll be really proud to run out as a Bradford player for the first time with my wife and three kids being able to witness their husband and dad walking out on the pitch. My family have grown up having seen Bradford be the biggest team in Super League for many years. The fans have always been amazing, they had one of the biggest followings in Super League now it is about getting them back behind the club with the big plans they have behind the scenes.”
Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty has hailed the recruitment of Ackers as a “statement signing”.
“I am delighted to get the signing of Andy over the line. This is a statement signing for the club,” said Haggerty. He is a fantastic person and plays his best rugby when he is happy and is constantly being pushed to maximise his full potential."
“Andy was playing international rugby for England at the last World Cup, which shows the pedigree of player we have managed to acquire here at the Bulls.”
