Bradford Bulls CEO hits out at ‘agendas’ in first words after confirmed return to Super League

Bradford Bulls CEO Jason Hirst has argued his side’s promotion is just and based on performance, hitting out at those with ‘preconceived ideas’.

The West Yorkshire side have made a monumental jump up the IMG rankings, moving from 16th to 10th, thereby earning themselves a spot in Super League for 2026.

Not only have they increased their score, they’ve increased it by over 2.5 points with their stadium and finance scores both soaring by more than one point to help them earn an impressive total of 14.81.

That’s the highest of any Grade B club and the Bulls’ CEO Jason Hirst has now released a statement to thank the fans and also react to the return of Bradford to Super League.

He’s also taken aim at those who have questioned Bradford’s return, something that has been commonplace on social media in recent weeks and months since the appointment of former Bradford chair Nigel Wood, as head of the RFL’s Strategic Review.

Hirst has now insisted that if you simply look at the grading criteria then it’s evident how the Bulls have earned promotion to Super League.

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Bradford Bulls CEO’s first words after promotion to Super League

In a lengthy statement released on the club website, Hirst expressed ‘delight’ at the Bulls returning to Super League as he argued that it is “testament to the smart and hard work and investment of so many, many people”.

Hirst noted how his three-and-a-half-year tenure as CEO of Bradford had generally coincided with the introduction of IMG into the sport, before making the argument that the Bulls ‘unquestionably’ deserved their spot in Super League.

He explained: “On the field, with three consecutive top three finishes and three consecutive play-off semi-final appearances, we, unquestionably, deserve to be one of the three clubs potentially being promoted to Super League from the Championship.”

The club’s work in other pillars of IMG grading was noted with their social media reach labelled as ‘the envy of many professional’ clubs, whilst Odsal was also discussed.

Hirst said: “Whilst we accept that our ground isn’t the most modern, it meets minimum standards and we have made improvements in all ten areas of the Facilities pillar, as well as installing a big screen, LED advertising, a new Directors/Community box and an extended TV gantry in the last twelve months, alone.”

He also confirmed that the club are looking to make ‘further changes and improvements’ to the ground.

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Bulls to make Super League ‘stronger’

Hirst also outlined the club’s pre-season goals from 2025 and noted how they’d achieved that, stating: “Our aim at the start of this season, just ended, was to gain promotion to Super League through our performance both on and off the field of play, as per the IMG grading structure. A structure that every professional and semi-professional RL club was and is aware of.

“We have done that, which is clear to see, for anyone who cares to look and consider with no preconceived ideas or agenda.

“We have done that quietly, without any fanfare or peacocking.

“In short, we covered both bases and have been successful in both. That is why we are now returning to Super League as a full-time club.

“There is no other club outside of the existing twelve Super League clubs that is better equipped to join them. That is evidenced by our tenth placed IMG grading.”

He’d conclude his statement with a message of thanks and insisted that the club are ready for their Super League return, promising a ‘huge travelling fanbase’ to bolster other Super League clubs.

“Super League will make us stronger and we will make Super League stronger.”

🗣️ | Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirst has issued the following statement – following confirmation of our return to Betfred Super League.

📖 | https://t.co/oqBzG2zgOP#StrengthInNumbers pic.twitter.com/2utJPYOsmp

— Bradford Bulls (@OfficialBullsRL) October 16, 2025