Nathan Mason wants the Bradford Bulls to help him get his career back on track.The Kiwi powerhouse Franklin Pele, who is switching to French rugby union, may have left the Bradford Bulls, but Nathan Mason, another prop, is aiming for a run of games as he attempts to put his career back on track.
During a brief loan stint in 2023, the 31-year-old former Huddersfield player had a taste of life with the Bulls.
Midway through the previous season, Mason signed an 18-month contract to return to Bradford after his second spell with the Giants expired and he had spent time in Australia (with the Corrimal Cougars in the Illawarra Rugby League).
The former London Broncos and Leigh man, who has also had loan stints at hometown club Oldham, Batley, Sheffield, Halifax and Wakefield, knew he had to work to increase his fitness.
And he says coach Brian Noble, his assistant Lee Greenwood and head of strength and conditioning Nick Botten have all played a part in sharpening him up.
After three outings in 2024, Mason played his sixth match of this year – and claimed his side’s fifth and final try – as Sheffield were beaten 32-20 at Bartercard Odsal for a fifth straight Bulls win.
he had previously faced the Eagles in the 1895 Cup quarter-finals, when Bradford’s 36-20 home victory set up Sunday’s big semi-final showdown at York.
“When I signed last year, I knew it was down to me to prove I can still play at a good standard,” he said.
“Brian and Lee have invested time in me alongside Nick with my fitness, and it is starting to show. Now it is about being consistent and starting to get better each week.”
In the 1895 Cup quarterfinals, Bradford defeated the Eagles 36–20 at home, setting up Sunday’s crucial semi-final matchup at York.
“I knew it was my responsibility to demonstrate that I could still play at a high level when I signed last year,” he said.
“Brian and Lee have invested time in me alongside Nick with my fitness, and it is starting to show. It now comes down to consistency and beginning to improve every week.
