Bradford Bulls delivered a spectacular first‑half performance, crossing the try line five times and ultimately halting a seven‑match losing streak with a 32‑22 win against the Castleford Tigers. The Bulls had been languishing at the very bottom of the Betfred Super League, unable to secure a win since July 10.
Yet, by the 19th minute they had already surged to an 18‑0 lead, thanks to early scores from Riley Dean, Connor Wynne and Caleb Aekins. The momentum continued as Dan Russell and Waqa Blake added their own tries before the halftime whistle. Although the Tigers managed a brief response, the Bulls’ dominance was reaffirmed when Ebon Scurr crossed for a sixth try at the 52‑minute mark, keeping alive the club’s hopes of escaping the dreaded wooden spoon ahead of next Thursday’s final round against 13th‑placed York.
Head coach Kurt Haggerty disclosed that his squad had spent the week discussing the very real possibility of finishing at the foot of the table. That conversation seemed to ignite an immediate reaction on the field. Within five minutes of kickoff, Riley Dean powered the ball over the line under the posts, setting the tone for what would become a relentless offensive display. Just eight minutes later, Connor Wynne dived into the corner to add another score, and shortly after Caleb Aekins completed the trio of early tries.
Even though Castleford’s Louis Senior managed to get the Tigers on the board, the Bulls responded emphatically before the break. In the 34th minute, Chris Atkin delivered a precise pass to Dan Russell, who dived over for his own try, and moments later Waqa Blake beat the hooter to extend the lead.
By halftime, Bradford enjoyed a comfortable 26‑4 advantage. The Tigers attempted a comeback when Krystian Mapapalangi capitalised on a grubber kick, but the Bulls’ dominance was unshaken. Ebon Scurr, operating close to the try line, bundled over for another score, delighting the home crowd at Odsal Stadium.
Atkin added a fourth conversion, further widening the gap. Castleford managed to collect consolation points through Alex Mellor and a second try from Mapapalangi, but the Bulls never relinquished control.
The final whistle confirmed a 32‑22 triumph, marking Bradford’s first home victory in three months and snapping their prolonged winless run. The result also placed the bottom‑of‑the‑table Bulls level on 14 points with York, Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC. All three of those clubs still have fixtures this weekend, and the regular Super League season is set to conclude next week, meaning the final league positions remain very much in flux. Beyond the on‑field drama, the broadcast arrangements for the Super League continue to evolve.
Sky Sports will air every match of the competition live throughout the season, offering two exclusive live games per round. The remaining five matches each round will be streamed via Sky Sports+, ensuring fans have multiple avenues to follow their teams.
Bradford’s resurgence can be attributed to several key factors. First, the early tactical plan emphasised quick ball movement and exploiting the width of the field, allowing wingers like Dean and Wynne to find space and finish with precision.
Second, the coaching staff’s psychological approach—addressing the fear of finishing bottom—appears to have galvanized the players, fostering a collective belief that they could turn the tide. The defensive effort, while not flawless, was markedly improved compared to previous outings. The Bulls managed to limit Castleford to just two tries in the first half, a stark contrast to the defensive lapses that had plagued them during the losing streak. In the second half, despite conceding a couple of points, Bradford maintained composure, preventing the Tigers from mounting a sustained comeback.
Looking ahead, the Bulls must build on this performance as they prepare for their final match against York. A win in that encounter could see them climb out of the relegation zone, while a loss might re‑ignite concerns about finishing at the very bottom. The coaching staff will likely focus on maintaining the attacking fluency displayed against Castleford while tightening defensive structures to avoid costly errors.
For Castleford, the defeat highlights areas requiring attention, particularly in maintaining defensive cohesion under pressure and capitalising on scoring opportunities. Their ability to respond quickly after conceding early scores will be crucial in upcoming fixtures if they hope to secure a higher league finish.
Overall, the 32‑22 result serves as a reminder that even teams struggling at the foot of the table can produce moments of brilliance. Bradford’s five‑try first half not only broke a demoralising losing streak but also injected fresh optimism into a club eager to prove its resilience. Fans at Odsal left the stadium buoyed by the spectacle, hopeful that this victory could be the catalyst for a stronger finish to the season.