A former NRL centre for three different teams, Esan Marsters has turned down a return to the competition and has instead inked a new contract which will keep him in the Super League.
Moving overseas at the end of 2022, Marsters has decided to remain in the United Kingdom, signing a three-year contract with the Bradford Bulls where he will reunite with former NRL playmaker Jayden Nikorima and coach Kurt Haggerty.
This comes after he attracted the interest of multiple other Super League and NRL teams, but decided against a return home to Australia or a move to another overseason club.
“It was a tough one. I felt like I was a person that wanted to see what happened to the club,” Marsters told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I really enjoyed my time at the club, and especially the coaches and the boys there. It felt like a situation where I was torn in between.
“Like I said, I really enjoyed my time there, regardless of what's been going on, I always thought there were going to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
“It's a shame that it didn't work out, but I've been here for a week now, and I'm really looking forward to getting to play for Bradford. I know the rich history they have.”
Before making the switch to the Super League, he played in the NRL for the Wests Tigers (2017-19), North Queensland Cowboys (2020-21) and Gold Coast Titans (2021-22), racking up 86 first-grade games and 276 points in the process.
Primarily known for his stint at the Tigers, in 2018, he made over 3000 total running metres - the only centre to do so in the season - and many pundits believed he should have been selected in the Team of the Year.
However, he would be released the following season.
"Esan is a player that has been chased by numerous Super League clubs and NRL clubs, so to actually get him over the line to play for the Bulls is a massive acquisition for us," coach Kurt Haggerty said.
"He's talented, he's got unbelievable footwork and his defence is very, very solid, he's a player that will certainly excite the Bradford fans."
Aside from club football, he has found games for the Cook Islands and New Zealand internationally, recording 14 total appearances for the two countries.
In the recently delayed Rugby League World Cup in 2022, he played for the Cook Islands alongside his cousin Steven Marsters and Cronulla Sharks centre Kayal Iro.
