Bradford Bulls delivered a spectacular first‑half performance, crossing the try line five times and ultimately halting a dismal seven‑match losing streak with a 32‑22 win against the Castleford Tigers. The victory not only broke the club’s winless run that had stretched back to early July, but it also lifted the Bulls from the very bottom of the Betfred Super League standings, injecting a much‑needed surge of confidence ahead of their final fixture of the season.
From the opening whistle, Bradford made it clear they were intent on turning the tide. Within the first five minutes, Riley Dean surged forward and dived beneath the posts, giving the Bulls an early 4‑0 lead.
Just three minutes later, Connor Wynne added a try in the corner, extending the advantage to 8‑0. The momentum continued as Caleb Aekins powered his way over, pushing the score to 12‑0. By the 19‑minute mark, the Bulls had already built an 18‑0 lead, a cushion that would prove crucial as the game progressed. The first half was a showcase of attacking flair and clinical finishing.
Dan Russell and Waqa Blake each found the try line before the interval, further widening the gap. Although Castleford managed to get on the board briefly, the Bulls’ relentless pressure kept the Tigers at bay.
At the 34‑minute mark, Chris Atkin’s precise pass set up Russell for another score, and shortly after, Blake capped the half‑time onslaught with a try that left the scoreboard reading 26‑4 in Bradford’s favour. The halftime break gave Castleford a chance to regroup, and they emerged with renewed vigor.
Krystian Mapapalangi capitalised on a well‑executed grubber kick, diving over to reduce the deficit. However, the Bulls responded swiftly.
Ebon Scurr, showcasing his power close to the line, bundled over for a sixth try at the 52‑minute mark, reaffirming Bradford’s dominance and keeping their hopes of escaping the wooden spoon alive as they look ahead to their final game against 13th‑placed York. Bradford’s head coach, Kurt Haggerty, revealed that the team had spent the week discussing the uncomfortable prospect of finishing bottom of the league.
That conversation seemed to ignite an immediate response on the field. The early tries from Dean, Wynne, and Aekins were a direct manifestation of that renewed determination. Even as Castleford’s Louis Senior managed to get the Tigers on the scoresheet, the Bulls answered with a flurry of points that left the home crowd at Odsal Stadium in high spirits.
In the second half, the Tigers attempted to claw back into contention. Alex Mellor and Mapapalangi each added a consolation try for Castleford, but Bradford’s lead was too substantial to overturn. Atkin’s reliable boot added a fourth conversion, sealing the final tally at 32‑22. The win marked the Bulls’ first home triumph in three months and, more importantly, snapped a prolonged period of defeat that had seen them languish at the foot of the table.
The implications of the result extend beyond a single victory. With the win, Bradford now shares 14 points with York, Huddersfield Giants, and Hull FC, creating a tightly packed cluster of teams battling for the final positions in the league table. All three of those rivals have fixtures this weekend, meaning the Bulls must maintain their momentum to ensure they do not slip back into the relegation zone as the regular Super League season draws to a close next week.
Looking ahead, the Bulls’ next challenge will be a crucial encounter against York, a team currently sitting in 13th place. That match will be pivotal in determining whether Bradford can climb out of the bottom three and avoid the dreaded wooden spoon. The psychological boost from the Castleford win, combined with the tactical adjustments hinted at by Haggerty, could prove decisive in that upcoming showdown. For fans following the Super League, Sky Sports continues to provide comprehensive coverage, broadcasting every game live throughout the season.
Two matches each round are shown exclusively live, while the remaining five fixtures are available on Sky Sports+. This extensive coverage ensures that supporters can keep track of every twist and turn as the league races toward its climax. In summary, Bradford’s 32‑22 triumph over Castleford was more than just a win; it was a statement of resilience and a turning point in a season that had been dominated by adversity. The five‑try first half, the strategic brilliance of the coaching staff, and the unwavering support of the Odsal faithful combined to deliver a performance that will be remembered as the catalyst for a potential late‑season resurgence.
As the Bulls prepare for their final match against York, the hope is that this victory will serve as a springboard, allowing them to finish the campaign on a high note and perhaps, just perhaps, escape the bottom of the table.