Bradford Bulls delivered a dominant performance in the first half, crossing the try line five times and ultimately breaking 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 table, unable to secure a win since July 10.
Yet, by the 19‑minute mark they had 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 further tries before the interval.
Although Castleford briefly threatened a comeback, Ebon Scurr’s sixth try for the home side in the 52nd minute kept the Bulls’ hopes of escaping the dreaded wooden spoon alive as they head into next Thursday’s final fixture against 13th‑placed York. Head coach Kurt Haggerty admitted that the squad had spent the week discussing the very real possibility of finishing bottom of the league.
That conversation seemed to ignite an immediate response on the field. Within five minutes of kickoff, Dean powered the ball over the line under the posts, giving the Bulls an early boost. Eight minutes later, Wynne dived into the corner to add another try, and Aekins completed the trio of early scores. Even though Castleford’s Louis Senior managed to get his side on the scoreboard, the Bulls answered with a spectacular 34th‑minute try when Chris Atkin set up Russell, followed shortly by Blake’s effort before the halftime whistle.
The first half closed with Bradford enjoying a comfortable 26‑4 lead. Castleford managed to narrow the gap when Krystian Mapapalangi collected a well‑placed grubber kick, but the Bulls responded quickly. Scurr powered over from close range, delighting the home crowd at Odsal Stadium. Atkin added a fourth conversion before the Tigers salvaged a consolation try through Alex Mellor and a further score from Mapapalangi.
Nevertheless, the Bulls maintained control and secured their first home win in three months. The victory not only halted a demoralising run but also lifted Bradford into a three‑way tie on 14 points with York, Huddersfield Giants and Hull FC. All three of those clubs still have matches to play this weekend, meaning the final league positions remain very much up for grabs as the regular Super League season draws to a close next week.
Bradford’s resurgence can be attributed to several key factors. First, the early aggression displayed by Dean, Wynne and Aekins forced Castleford onto the back foot, allowing the Bulls to dictate the pace. Their ability to convert early pressure into points created a psychological edge that proved difficult for the Tigers to overcome. Second, the coaching staff’s frank discussion about the prospect of finishing bottom seemed to galvanise the players, turning fear of failure into a catalyst for performance.
The tactical adjustments made by Haggerty, particularly in exploiting the edges and using quick ball movement, paid dividends in the first half. Defensively, the Bulls showed marked improvement.
After conceding a single try before halftime, they tightened their line, limiting Castleford’s opportunities and forcing errors that led to the crucial grubber kick recovered by Mapapalangi. Though the Tigers managed to breach the line twice in the second half, Bradford’s disciplined defense held firm during the crucial closing stages, preventing any further scoring that could have threatened the lead. The match also highlighted the impact of individual brilliance.
Riley Dean’s early try under the posts demonstrated his strength in close quarters, while Connor Wynne’s corner dive showcased his speed and agility. Caleb Aekins’ ability to finish off a well‑timed pass added variety to the Bulls’ attacking arsenal. Dan Russell and Waqa Blake, both seasoned campaigners, provided experience and composure, scoring at crucial moments before the break.
Ebon Scurr’s second‑half try, earned through sheer power near the try line, underscored the Bulls’ depth in the forward pack. Off the field, the win will be a morale booster for the club and its supporters. After three months without a home victory, the Odsal faithful finally witnessed a performance that combined flair, determination and tactical acumen.
The atmosphere at Odsal Stadium was electric, with fans chanting and celebrating each try, creating a home‑field advantage that the Bulls capitalised on throughout the match. Looking ahead, the Bulls must maintain this intensity as they approach the season finale against York.
A win in that encounter could see them climb out of the bottom three and avoid the wooden spoon altogether. Conversely, a loss could see them finish level on points with York, Huddersfield and Hull, leaving the final league table positions to be decided on points difference. For Castleford, the defeat will be a disappointment, but there are positives to take away. Their ability to score after the break shows resilience, and the experience gained by younger players like Mapapalangi will be valuable as the season concludes.
Broadcast information: Sky Sports will continue to provide live coverage of every Super League game this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively live. The remaining five fixtures each round will be available on Sky Sports+.
This ensures fans can follow the drama right up to the final whistle of the season.