Canterbury Bulldogs halfback Sean O'Sullivan is understood to have turned his back on the Bradford Bulls, but will still shift to the English Super League at the start of 2027.
A talented halfback who has struggled for first-grade opportunity at the Bulldogs this year despite their clear struggle for points, his time in blue and white will be cut short.
The club's salary cap is somewhat stretched, and with him being on the edge of their first-grade plans, Love Rugby League are reporting the mutual option in his deal for 2027 will not be taken up, with the halfback to instead sign a one-year deal for 2027 with St Helens.
The short-term contract will allow him to impress in the top grade in England before either pushing for more job security on that side of the world, or move back to Australia and seek further NRL opportunities.
O'Sullivan is the Bulldogs only out and out halfback, but has spent most of the year beyond the first-grade side.
Cameron Ciraldo's side would instead slump from last year's top four to missing the finals, using predominantly combinations of Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin in the halves.
The rare games O'Sullivan did play appeared to show a Bulldogs side with more clarity and structure in their attacking decision making, but that wasn't enough to keep the halfback at the club.
It's understood O'Sullivan was close to signing with the Saints in England before Walters signed, but after a pause of negotiations, it is now back on the table and set to be signed.
Now 28 years of age, O'Sullivan, who made 6 NRL appearances this year to take his career tally to 66, has played for the Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors, Penrith Panthers, Dolphins and Bulldogs across his career.
O'Sullivan's contract with St Helens likely also means Jackson Hastings will be on the way out, with the former Tiger and Knight currently uncontracted beyond the end of 2026.
