Bradford Bulls can take plenty of positives from their return to Super League despite finishing at the foot of the table, something that was confirmed after Thursday night’s loss to York Knights.
A win for the Bulls and one of either Hull FC or Huddersfield losing would have ensured that Bradford avoided the wooden spoon, however, they failed to beat an impressive York side as errors were again the undoing of Kurt Haggerty’s side in a 35-16 defeat.
Despite the loss, the mood from Haggerty post-match when he spoke to Sky Sports was positive as he reflected on the year, one that has been badly affected by injuries.
Asked if he can see positives from his first year as a head coach, he confirmed: “I do. It’s been difficult. There’s been moments where I’ve felt like it’s been a little bit like at Salford last year with the injuries, but it’s been a pleasure to coach the team that I’ve had.
“The club transitioned in the space of six to eight weeks to get into the Super League. We had to recruit a team of 30 men to try and compete in the Super League, and for the majority of the season, we’ve pretty much done that.
“You get to a point where you can’t win Super League games with too many kids in your team, but the experience that the group will learn, the young boys from Bradford, and the club will learn a lot along the journey, as well as myself. I’ve enjoyed it.”
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Bradford Bulls boss to reflect after tough first year
Bradford, like York and Toulouse came up with little notice but the French side were full-time in the Championship, whereas the Bulls were a part-time operation.
That shift from part-time to full-time was described by Haggerty as a transition that was ‘almost impossible’ as he explained: “I don’t think you can probably appreciate it.
“When you see what the club have gone through, people like Jason Hirst and your general manager, Tracey, in the back office, and the hard work that’s gone into getting somewhere close to try and compete on-field and off-field, it’s almost impossible.
“But it’s a fantastic club, it’s a club that wants success quickly, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure we’re better next year.”
Whilst the IMG gradings are not yet confirmed, the Bulls are near certain to be in Super League given that they’re locked in to play in Las Vegas and when asked if the planning and work starts now, Haggerty quipped: “To be honest, the work hasn’t stopped from day one.
“I took the job because I knew what this year would look like. I know the steps the club needs to make to be better next year, so the work’s been relentless. The lads will have some time off.
“I’ll go home, I’ll reflect, I’ll have a beer to myself, I’ll have a moment in my dark corner and reflect on the year – I need a holiday myself.”
.@YorkRLFC see out their 2026 #SuperLeague campaign with a win ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/J4umJwoXZE
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 10, 2026
