Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls will play out their first derby match in Super League in 12 years on Good Friday, and Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty could not be more excited.
Friday’s clash will undoubtedly be Haggerty’s biggest game as a head coach so far, and there is an increased buzz around the camp with the prospect of playing in such an illustrious derby proving to lift the spirits of the group even further.
The last time the pair met in competitive action was back in 2019, as Bradford upset Leeds in the Challenge Cup, but you have to go back to 2014 for the last time the pair faced off in league action.
Bradford’s time out of the top flight has only increased the anticipation for this clash, with the crowd expected to be upwards of 13,000. Despite all the outside noise though, the Bulls boss has reiterated to his side to keep grounded in their emotions until after the full-time whistle.
“I think because one of these has not been played for such a long time, especially being a Super League game, there’s just a lot of emotion around it, both teams being in Super League, the Bulls in particular being back in Super League and playing against a local derby up at Odsal, I don’t think it gets much bigger.
“…It‘s going to be an unbelievable occasion. I’m really happy the lads get the privilege to play in front of so many Bradford fans. I’m very privileged to be the head coach of Bradford Bulls this week.”
Asked if there are any games bigger in the Super League, Haggerty continued: “I wouldn’t say so, no. It’s a pretty big derby. We’re now on a level playing field in regards to both being in Super League.
“We’ve started the season okay. Leeds have been okay. A bit of hit and miss. But ultimately, your form goes out the window. It’s derby day, we’re at home, so we’re certainly prepped to win the game.”
Bradford Bulls boss previews Leeds Rhinos derby
Haggerty can sense just what this game means to both the club and the people of Bradford, with the mood in the camp having a different vibe given how big this week’s clash is.
“When you’re around the club at the moment, and in particular this week, you can just feel it, you can feel how excited everybody is,” the boss said.
“There’s a nervous energy around everybody at the club because it’s such a big occasion. We believe we can win the game as well, so there’s a lot of emotion, there’s a lot of excitement, and ultimately I’m hoping that we put a product on the field on Friday night that entertains our fans.”
Commenting on how the players need to embrace the game, and how the crowd can help in that, Haggerty explained: “First off, it’s workman-like, before we talk the emotion side of it, we’re there to do a job, we’re there to compete, we’re there to play for 80 minutes.”
“Ultimately, there’s going to be moments in that game when individually, collectively, the team get tired. I know our crowd will be amazing and help us get through them moments, so I almost want the players to feed on the energy of the crowd and give them that little bit more just to push through their moments.”
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