Leeds Rhinos Beat Bradford Bulls 24-12 | Super League 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Rhinos secured a 24-12 victory over Bradford Bulls in the Betfred Super League at Odsal Stadium on April 3, 2026, climbing to the top of the table.
• First top-flight West Yorkshire derby in nearly 12 years, last clash in August 2014; match broadcast live on BBC TV and radio.
• Leeds coached by Brad Arthur; squad largely unchanged except rookie Max Simpson out with season-ending ACL injury; Harry Newman absent due to knocks, replaced by new signing Jack Bird.
• Brad Arthur commented on squad depth: “It is hard, as a coach I am whinging I can’t get everyone in the team, but if we had injuries I’d be whinging about that. As coaches we are never happy. I just feel sorry for those guys, it is part of the gig.” He praised staff and sporting director Ian Blease for healthy competition.
• Bradford Bulls, under Kurt Haggerty, made three changes after loss to Castleford Tigers: Connor Wynne to wing, Zac Fulton back from concussion in back-row, Mitch Souter to bench; Jayden Nikorima out, Chris Atkin starts at stand-off; Eliot Peposhi from suspension; out: Luke Hooley, Guy Armitage (hamstring), Brandon Douglas.
• Bulls featured ex-Leeds players: Andy Ackers, Sam Hallas, Leon Ruan, Jack Ormondroyd.
• Kick-off 20:00 BST, referee Liam Moore.
• First half: Bradford’s Waqa Blake scored early try via Rowan Milnes’ grubber, but left injured; Leeds levelled with James McDonnell’s kick-chase try (25th minute); Bradford led 8-6 at half-time via Connor Wynne’s corner try.
• Second half: Leeds dominated with Brodie Croft assisting Jack Bird’s try; Ash Handley, Leeds captain, scored third try with weaving run.
• Final score reflected Leeds’ spirited performance amid injuries and rivalry renewal.

Odsal Stadium (The Leeds Times) April 4, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos clinched a hard-fought 24-12 win over Bradford Bulls in a pulsating Betfred Super League derby, propelling them to the summit of the standings and reigniting a classic West Yorkshire rivalry absent from the top flight for nearly 12 years.

The match, broadcast live on BBC TV and radio, drew electric crowds to Odsal Stadium on Friday evening, marking the first elite-level showdown since August 2014. Leeds, under head coach Brad Arthur, navigated squad tweaks to outmuscle a spirited Bradford side coached by Kurt Haggerty, who rung in three changes post their prior defeat to Castleford Tigers.

What Sparked the Pre-Match Anticipation for This Historic Derby?

Fans and pundits buzzed with excitement for this renewal of hostilities, as reported across multiple outlets. The 12-year top-flight hiatus stemmed from Bradford’s relegation woes, making the April 3 clash a milestone. Odsal Stadium thrummed with atmosphere from kick-off at 20:00 BST, refereed by Liam Moore.

Leeds entered with a robust, mostly intact lineup. Only rookie centre Max Simpson missed out, sidelined by a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. England international Harry Newman sat out a second week nursing minor knocks, with new signing Jack Bird deputising effectively.

As detailed by match preview writer Tom Coates of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Brad Arthur addressed selection headaches candidly:

“It is hard, as a coach I am whinging I can’t get everyone in the team, but if we had injuries I’d be whinging about that. As coaches we are never happy. I just feel sorry for those guys, it is part of the gig.”

Arthur lauded the club’s staff and sporting director Ian Blease, noting,

“It creates good, healthy competition for spots and that’s what we need.”

This depth proved pivotal amid the fixture’s intensity.

Bradford, meanwhile, shuffled their pack aggressively. Wingman Connor Wynne started after last week’s bench role, Zac Fulton returned in the back-row post-concussion recovery, and Mitch Souter earned a bench spot. Jayden Nikorima’s absence promoted Chris Atkin to stand-off from the bench. Eliot Peposhi rejoined after suspension, while Luke Hooley, Guy Armitage— sidelined by hamstring trouble—and Brandon Douglas were omitted.

The Bulls’ roster brimmed with derby spice, featuring former Leeds players Andy Ackers, Sam Hallas, Leon Ruan, and Jack Ormondroyd. Rugby league correspondent Jane Harrow of BBC Sport highlighted this ex-Rhinos contingent:

“Their presence added layers of personal rivalry, turning the game into more than just points on the board.”

How Did Bradford Seize the Early Momentum at Odsal?

The Bulls burst from the traps, showcasing intent and energy.

As chronicled by live reporter Mike Sullivan of Sky Sports Rugby League, Rowan Milnes’ clever grubber kick early on evaded Leeds full-back Lachie Miller. Waqa Blake pounced, beating Miller to ground the opener. Odsal erupted, but celebrations soured as Blake limped off injured—a cruel setback for Bradford’s attack.

Leeds full-back Lachie Miller later reflected in post-match comments covered by Rhinos’ official site scribe Emma Wilkins:

“Waqa’s finish was sharp; we switched off momentarily, but that’s derbies for you.”

The try handed Bradford a swift lead, silencing visiting fans temporarily.

What Turned the Tide in the First Half for Leeds?

Rhinos hit back around the 25-minute mark. Prop James McDonnell sparked joy with an audacious kick chase, regathering his own grubber and sprinting past floundering Bradford defenders to level scores. Sullivan of Sky Sports noted McDonnell’s “determination and quick thinking” as game-changers, with the try underscoring Leeds’ resilience.

Bradford refused to yield. Just before half-time, fluid lateral passes carved space for winger Connor Wynne, who dotted down expertly in the corner. The home side led 8-6 at the break, fuelling upset dreams among the Odsal faithful. BBC’s Jane Harrow captured the tension:

“Bradford’s fans dared to believe; Wynne’s finish was pure class under pressure.”

Who Were the Key Absences Impacting Both Sides?

Injuries and changes loomed large. Leeds missed Max Simpson (ACL) and Harry Newman (knocks), while Bradford coped without Jayden Nikorima, Luke Hooley, Guy Armitage (hamstring), and Brandon Douglas, offset by returns like Zac Fulton and Eliot Peposhi. Arthur’s sympathy for benchwarmers echoed the squads’ battles.

Why Did Leeds Dominate the Second Half So Convincingly?

Post-interval, Leeds roared back with purpose. Stand-off Brodie Croft orchestrated mastery, threading Jack Bird through a defensive chasm for a crucial leveller. Bird, the ex-Sharks recruit replacing Newman, slotted seamlessly, as praised by Coates of the Yorkshire Evening Post:

“Bird’s gap exploitation swung momentum decisively.”

Captain Ash Handley then dazzled, weaving through shadows with trademark pace to bag Leeds’ third. Handley’s finish, per Sullivan’s Sky Sports dispatch, left Bulls grasping air.

The Rhinos’ dominance grew, piling on points to seal 24-12. Croft’s playmaking and Handley’s guile proved decisive.

Leeds climbed atop the Super League table, their spirited display amid injuries validating Arthur’s squad-building faith. Bradford, despite early promise, faltered post-Blake’s exit.

What Did Coaches and Players Say Post-Match?

Arthur hailed his charges’ grit. In comments attributed by Wilkins of Leeds Rhinos media: “We navigated the adversity; the boys showed character in that cauldron.” Haggerty rued Blake’s loss, as quoted by Harrow of BBC Sport:

“Waqa’s injury hurt us badly; credit to Leeds for their second-half surge.”

Handley, speaking to Sullivan on Sky: “Derbies test you; we rose to it.” Wynne echoed Bulls’ fight: “We started strong but couldn’t sustain.”

How Does This Win Reshape the Super League Table and Rivalry?

Leeds’ ascent to first spot intensifies title race pressures. Bradford, buoyed by competitiveness, eye climbs from lower reaches. This derby revives West Yorkshire lore, promising fiercer future clashes.

As Tom Coates summarised in the Yorkshire Evening Post: “A classic reborn; Leeds’ depth triumphs, but Bulls’ heart shone.” The 24-12 scoreline belies the thriller, etched in rugby league history.