Bradford Bulls commit to friendly during the Championship season

Friendlies are usually exclusively before the start of the new season. They’re used as preparation for a new campaign and for coaches to settle on their strongest seventeen before Round One.

In 2022, Bradford’s Championship campaign begins away at the Tetley’s Stadium against Dewsbury on Sunday 30th January with the game kicking off at 15:00.

It’ll be familiar surroundings for the Bulls having groundshared with Dewsbury in the past. However, before that, they have games against the likes of Leeds Rhinos to prepare for the new Championship season.

Despite that, the club have taken the rather unique step of scheduling a friendly for after their opening round with a meeting against League 1 side Midlands Hurricanes scheduled for the 12th February just two days before they meet Leigh Centurions in the Championship on Monday night in front of the Premier Sports cameras.

The game will give Midlands – who are building towards their first season under their new name – the chance to continue their preparations for their league campaign which does not start until the 27th March away at Doncaster.

According to the Telegraph & Argus, the game will see Bradford select a side made up of players not included in Bradford’s 21-man squad for the match against Leigh alongside talents from the academy and reserve sides.

An unusual situation for the Bulls but it will give them the opportunity to develop some of their fringe players whilst offering Midlands the chance to prepare for the new season against a top Championship outfit.

The Hurricanes have already gained some experience in that area losing 46-6 to York on Friday night.