Leeds Rhinos man makes Bradford Bulls Super League prediction

Bradford Bulls and London Broncos can both look forward to a Super League future, according to Leeds Rhinos’ new assistant-coach Jamie Langley.

Langley made more than 250 appearances for Bulls from 2002-2013 and later spent time on Broncos’ backroom staff.

He also played for Hull KR and Sheffield Eagles and joined Rhinos last month after three years with rugby union giants Sale Sharks.

Bulls have been out of the top-flight since 2014. They were relegated alongside London, who have since had two one-season spells back in the big time, including this year.

Both clubs were rated B in the first IMG gradings, which determine places in the elite competition.

Broncos were 14th on the rankings table, two places outside the top-flight, with Bulls in 16th place.

Both have hopes of improving enough on and off the field to eventually gain an A-grade, guaranteeing a  spot in Super League and Langley reckons they are heading in the right direction.

“Bradford have been building for quite a while now,” he told Serious About Rugby League. “I think they have been doing it right.

“Rather than trying to get ahead of themselves and overspend and get themselves in any sort of financial difficulty, they seem to be managing the club well and they are poised now, in a really strong position to push for that next level.”

Of London, he added: “I speak to Mike [Eccles, Broncos’ coach] quite a lot. He is really optimistic they can get some external investment in there.

“If they can tick a couple of boxes with the IMG scores, they won’t be far off an A-grade. Regardless of on-field performance next year, they are really chasing those gradings off the field and he is pretty optimistic they have a chance to get back in Super League, which would be really cool.”

Langley was on London’s backroom staff from 2015-21 and as assistant to Danny Ward, he was part of their coaching team in 2019 when they were relegated on points difference, despite winning 10 of their 29 games.

“I am a big believer in London rugby league and Super League needs a strong London,” the Leeds Rhinos man said.

“If they can get that and get a long-term strategy in place, it will be brilliant to see them there – both them and Bradford.”