Bradford Bulls claimed their first Super League win of the season as they beat Catalans Dragons 28-10 at Odsal.
Here’s our talking points.
Bullmania is back
Bradford Bulls are certainly making a splash on their return to Super League. Kurt Haggerty’s side pushed Hull FC all the way before just falling short last week, but they were never in danger of doing that on Friday night against a very poor Catalans side.
The Bulls took an early lead as Andy Ackers powered himself over the line and three successive Rowan Milnes penalties gave the Bulls a comfortable lead. Waqa Blake built on it after a superb breakaway from Caleb Aekins and the full-back got one of his own just before the break as he latched onto a popped pass against the grain.
It was entertaining stuff from the Bulls and they were more than deserving of the lead they took into the break.
Catalans launched a soft comeback in the second half as two Bulls mistakes led to Catalans tries, but the West Yorkshire outfit all but made sure of the result when Blake scored a second, taking in Ethan Ryan’s pat down to finish in the corner.
Of the three teams coming up for 2026, the Bulls were the ones widely being tipped to struggle the most. However, they’ve ruffled feathers already and despite picking up some injury concerns, Super League teams are going to have to be at the very top of their game to beat the Bulls this season.
Controversy
The first half might have been a little different had Catalans Dragons been awarded a try after Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui touched down with about 25 minutes on the clock. The French side were 10-0 down and struggling with their discipline at the time and the try could have helped to swing momentum their way.
Liam Rush sent the effort upstairs, which was completely understandable given the prop touched down under a crowd of bodies. What was baffling, though, was Tom Grant’s decision to rule the try out, despite replays appearing to show the ball touching the whitewash of the try line.
Abysmal Catalans
As good as Bradford were, Catalans were beyond dismal for large periods of the clash in West Yorkshire. Joel Tomkins’ side were their own worst enemies in the first half as they missed 31 tackles, made five errors and gave seven penalties away before the break.
Bradford consistently punished the French side for their lack of discipline, too, with Rowan Milnes kicking three penalties in quick succession, of which two came from lazy defenders not getting themselves onside. And, nothing will have been more frustrating for Tomkins than Tommy Makinson’s kick off that sailed out on the full after seeing his side go 10-0 down.
Given the amount of signings Catalans made over the off-season, they were always going to take time to gel, but judging by this performance, they’re way off the standard expected.
Odsal a fortress
The famous old ground was bouncing on Friday night and the 9,992 fans in attendance certainly made some noise as they got behind their boys and cheered every little win. It’s been 12 years since those Bulls fans saw their side in Super League action and it was most certainly worth the wait.
Odsal is going to be a tough place to go this season and Toulouse Olympique have the thankless task of heading to West Yorkshire next Sunday to take on the Bulls. Huddersfield Giants make the short trip to Bradford in round five, too, and it would not be a surprise if Haggerty’s side were to pick up maximum points from those games.
Joel Tomkins pressure
It was widely accepted that Tomkins was one of those Super League head coaches starting the season under pressure following last season’s struggles and the amount of changes the Dragons have made over the off-season.
He’ll be given time to get it right, of course, but the pressure on him will build quickly if they make a habit of turning in wretched performances like this one. St Helens go to Perpignan next week and Catalans really need the points.
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