Franklin Pele departed Bradford Bulls amid controversy less than eighteen months ago, yet the forward now finds himself presented with an unexpected opportunity to establish himself in the NRL.
The prop forward featured in the New South Wales Cup for South Sydney Rabbitohs throughout 2026, having demonstrated sufficient quality to earn a train-and-trial arrangement with the NRL outfit during the pre-season period.
Should that trial period prove successful, the 27-year-old appears destined for a place in South Sydney’s squad during the 2027 season at the sport’s premier club level in Australia.
The powerful forward had previously represented Cronulla Sharks and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL before making an unsuccessful switch to Hull FC in 2024, where he found life considerably more difficult in the Super League.
A subsequent transfer to Bradford that same summer appeared to restore his confidence and form, though a hamstring injury sidelined him during May 2025.
While still holding an active contract with Bradford, the forward entered negotiations regarding a potential move to a third-tier French rugby union club.
The Bulls organisation issued a public statement asserting that no individual player surpasses the club itself in importance.
The statement emphasised that any player under contract must demonstrate complete dedication to representing the club, its crest and its fanbase.
The statement declared that Franklin Pele had therefore played his final game for the club.
The organisation indicated it was evaluating its legal options while declining to elaborate further.
Pele ultimately never made a comeback to Bradford, and the forward now possesses an opportunity he must endeavour to seize in Australia.