Leeds Top Super League Beating Bradford 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos defeated Bradford Bulls 24-12 at Odsal Stadium in the first Betfred Super League meeting between the West Yorkshire rivals in 12 years.
• The victory propelled Leeds Rhinos to the top of the Super League table, joining or surpassing Wigan Warriors following Wigan’s 34-24 loss to St Helens on Good Friday.
• Tries for Bradford Bulls: Waqa Blake, Connor Wynne, Caleb Aekins (scored late as a consolation).
• Tries for Leeds Rhinos: James McDonnell, Jack Bird, Ash Handley, Cooper Jenkins.
• Jake Connor kicked four goals for Leeds Rhinos.
• Rowan Milnes missed three kicks for Bradford, including a penalty and conversions.
• The match was part of the Super League Rivals Round on Good Friday, April 3, 2026.
• Leeds coach Brad Arthur described it as the team’s “best win” of 2026, praising their physicality and composure.
• Waqa Blake scored first for Bradford but left early due to injury.
• Leeds trailed 8-6 at half-time but dominated the second half.
• This was Bradford’s return to Super League after promotion in 2026, last playing in the top flight in 2014.
• Leeds now have 10 points from 7 games, leading the table.

Odsal, Bradford (The Leeds Times) April 4, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos clinched a hard-fought 24-12 derby victory over Bradford Bulls at Odsal Stadium, propelling them to the summit of the Betfred Super League table for the first time under coach Brad Arthur. The match, marking the rivals’ first Super League encounter in 12 years, saw Leeds overcome a half-time deficit to dominate the second period in front of a passionate crowd. This Good Friday clash in the Rivals Round underscored Leeds’ resilience, as reported across multiple outlets, while Bradford showed promise despite the loss.

What Happened in the First Half?

Bradford Bulls struck first when Waqa Blake raced onto a precise grubber kick from Rowan Milnes to open the scoring, though Milnes failed to convert—one of three missed kicks in the opening 40 minutes. As detailed by Sky Sports reporters, Leeds struggled initially to breach the hosts’ defence but equalised after 25 minutes when James McDonnell chased down his own kick to touch down, with Jake Connor adding the conversion for a 6-6 scoreline.

The Bulls regained the lead just before half-time, as Caleb Aekins powered forward and offloaded to Connor Wynne, who burst down the flank to score, giving Bradford an 8-6 advantage despite another Milnes miss, including an earlier penalty attempt.

BBC Sport coverage noted that Leeds had dominated possession and post-contact metres but lacked finishing, aligning with Sky Sports’ observation that Odsal was alive with dreams for the promoted Bulls, absent from Super League since 2014.

How Did Leeds Turn the Game Around?

The Rhinos exploded into action post-interval, with quick passing leading to Jack Bird crossing for their second try, though Connor missed the wide conversion. Ash Handley then produced the try of the match—a solo effort showcasing agility, strength, and speed— which Connor converted to shift momentum decisively.

Connor’s subsequent penalty goal extended Leeds’ control, and Cooper Jenkins sealed the win with a converted try, rendering Caleb Aekins’ late consolation score for Bradford academic.

As per Yahoo Sports match report, a defensive error by Bradford after Blake’s early injury departure allowed Leeds to capitalise, with McDonnell’s daring chase exemplifying their second-half foot in the gas.

What Did Coaches Say Post-Match?

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur hailed the performance as the “best win” of 2026, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, as reported by Serious About Rugby League’s coverage.

“The three words I used to describe our performance last week was tough, gritty and composed. I thought we backed that up today… I probably feel like that’s been our best win. [It’s a] tough place to come, tough conditions, very hard,”

Arthur stated.

Arthur further elaborated on the first half:

“We felt like we dominated… Our post-contact metres were really good with the ball and we were good in the rucks, so we felt like we dominated. We just needed to wait and the time would come when it would become hard work for them and we’d just finish over the top.”

He reflected on recent form:

“We’ve had two halves of footy that weren’t at our standard and they cost us two games… Teams are going to come after us and they’re going to put us under pressure and we need to see that as a privilege.”

Bradford’s perspective was not directly quoted in fetched sources, but their resilience despite misses and injuries highlighted a spirited return to the top flight.

Why Is This Victory Significant for Leeds?

This triumph catapults Leeds Rhinos to the top of the Super League standings with 10 points from seven games (five wins, two losses, +98 points difference), as per the latest Sky Sports table updated April 4. It follows Wigan Warriors’ shock 34-24 defeat to St Helens, making Leeds joint leaders or sole toppers depending on tie-breakers.

The fixture’s historical weight—first Super League derby since August 2014, last meeting in 2019 Challenge Cup—adds lustre, with three clashes planned in 2026. For Arthur’s side, it signals momentum after setbacks against Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC, positioning them as title contenders ahead of key dates like the Magic Weekend in July.

Sky Sports noted Rhinos’ physical edge on the tighter Odsal pitch suited their expansive style less but showcased grit. BBC Sport emphasised the derby triumph’s role in surpassing Wigan.

How Does Bradford’s Performance Fit Their Season?

Despite the defeat, Bradford Bulls impressed in patches, leading at half-time and scoring through Blake, Wynne, and Aekins against a top side.

Their promotion back to Super League in 2026 after tough times post-2014 evokes nostalgia, with Odsal buzzing early via Milnes’ creativity.

Milnes’ kicking woes (zero from three) proved costly, but the hosts’ defence held firm initially. This loss tempers promotion highs, yet as Serious About Rugby League context suggests via rival reports, it fuels growth against established outfits like Leeds.

What Are the Current Super League Standings?

Post-match, Sky Sports’ table lists:

(Note: Full details for positions 2-3 partial; Leeds lead on points difference).

Who Stood Out with Key Performances?

James McDonnell’s kick-chase try and Ash Handley’s highlight-reel solo effort earned plaudits, per Sky Sports highlights. Jake Connor’s four goals proved decisive, while Jack Bird and Cooper Jenkins added polish.

For Bradford, Waqa Blake’s early pace and Rowan Milnes’ kicking vision shone before mishaps; Connor Wynne and Caleb Aekins showed flair. Lachie Miller’s disallowed try attempt for Leeds featured in visuals.

What Lies Ahead in Super League?

The Rivals Round continues April 3-5, with Sky Sports broadcasting all games live. Key 2026 dates include Super League in Paris (June 6, Catalans Dragons v Wigan), Magic Weekend (July 4-5), reversed Rivals Round (July 23-26), and Grand Final at Old Trafford (October 3).

Leeds face mounting pressure as table-toppers, per Arthur, while Bradford build from this derby. This Odsal thriller sets a tone for intense competition, blending history, rivalry, and ambition in Britain’s premier rugby league.