Leeds beat Bradford to go top of Super League

Bradford Bulls faced their first Super League clash against Leeds Rhinos in nearly a decade. The derby encounter at Odsal saw Leeds claim a decisive victory, securing their place at the summit of the league table. This triumph allowed them to overtake Wigan Warriors, who had suffered a setback earlier that day against St Helens.

Waqa Blake opened the scoring for Bradford with a try shortly after the game began, but Leeds quickly responded. James McDonnell capitalized on a defensive lapse to score, putting the Rhinos ahead by halftime. The momentum shifted again when Blake restored Bradford’s lead, only for Jack Bird, Ash Handley, and Cooper Jenkins to extend Leeds’ advantage in the second half. Caleb Aekins’ late effort provided the hosts with a consolation try, though it proved insufficient.

The match marked the first derby since August 2014, following Bradford’s re-entry into the top tier this season. The Bulls started strongly, with Rowan Milnes’ grubber kick setting up Blake’s try. However, a similar defensive error by Leeds allowed McDonnell to score, highlighting the game’s back-and-forth nature. As the second half progressed, Brodie Croft’s pass set up Bird’s try, while Handley’s pace further stretched Bradford’s defense.

Bradford’s woes deepened when Phoenix Steinwede was forced off due to a hamstring injury, leading to Jenkins’ try and a commanding Leeds lead. Despite a late try from Aekins, the Bulls couldn’t close the gap. The final scores reflected the teams’ efforts: Bradford (8) 12 Tries: Blake, Wynne, Aekins; Leeds (6) 24 Tries: McDonnell, Bird, Handley, Jenkins Goals: Connor 4.

Teams and Interchanges

Bradford: Aekins; Wynne, Marsters, Blake, Ryan; Atkin, Milnes; Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Fulton, Ruan, Mellor. Interchanges: Souter, Ormondroyd, Hallas, Steinwede.

Leeds: Miller; Sivo, Bird, Handley, Hall; Croft, Connor; Holroyd, O’Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, McDonnell, Watkins. Interchanges: Oledzki, Palasia, Levi, Smith.

Referee: Liam Moore.