Bradford Bulls avoided a Challenge Cup upset as they defeated a spirited London Broncos, overturning a half-time deficit to win 26-8.
The Bulls were the Championship team to cause the upset in the Challenge Cup third round last year as they beat Castleford and London were clearly eyeing Bradford up for a similar fate but Kurt Haggerty’s side came through the other side.
It’s a win that some will point to as a sign that Bradford will struggle in Super League but it’s also a win of the kind of nature that suggests the Bulls will grit it out in tough games, of which there will be many in Super League.
Jayden Okunbor started the scoring after just five minutes after a strong carry earlier in the tackle count had granted the Bulls field position, however, it was London who would score next and they did so through star of the future Finley Glare.
Former Bull Liam Tindall scored just before half-time to make it 8-4 but Andy Ackers and Ethan Ryan scored before the hour mark to make it 16-8. Two more tries came as Dan Russell and Waqa Blake scored late on to make it 26-8 in a scoreline that felt harsh on London.
Here are some of the biggest taking points from the game after Bradford made it to round four of the Challenge Cup.
Know your Super League? Serious About Rugby League have a Fantasy Super League comp. Join it now and compete against our writers. PIN: 12433 Password: SARL2026
London Broncos v Bradford Bulls talking points
Bradford discipline
Kurt Haggerty will be grateful to have had a tough test to battle-harden his side before the Super League season but he will not have been happy with the number of penalties his side conceded, particularly in the first 50 minutes when London were more fresh.
The Broncos got numerous six agains with ruck infringement a big blot on the Bulls’ card, something that won’t be tolerated in Super League and could be a major detractor from Bradford.
NRL signing injuries harm London
Part of the reason why London were so strong in the first half was the presence of Reagan Campbell-Gillard who was always keen to carry, however, he left midway through and was seen receiving treatment on his calf.
Dean Hawkins was another who left the field and ultimately, that led to London playing the final half an hour with just 12 men as Bradford’s bench and health was able to put the dagger through London in the second half.
Caleb Aekins
It was a game of fine margins in the first half but one of the difference makers was Caleb Aekins with the full-back making a massive break down the left edge. As bodies tired in the second-half, he was even more effective.
Playing in a similar way to how Matt Dufty did with George Williams, Aekins shadowed the halves and was always available for a pop pass inside that would allow him to tear through the middle for a one-on-one. That ultimately led to Andy Ackers’ try, the one that put the Bulls in front, and it’s something you can expect to see a lot in Super League this year.
Finley Glare the next Edwin Ipape
It feels almost disrespectful to compare a player of Glare’s talent to that of Edwin Ipape because Finley Glare is almost certainly his own type of player, however, the parallels between him and his Papua New Guinean teammate are very evident.
A short and stocky hooker who plays with class but also tackles with power, Glare is just 22 and also a product of the PNG Hunters, just like Ipape. He’s arrived in England at a similar age to what Ipape did and will now have a year in the Championship.
Plenty of Super League and NRL teams will be interested in his services though London might hope they can keep him if they make it to Super League.
Matter of time for London?
And it could just be a matter of time before London are in Super League as they showed today what they can offer, brilliant rugby league and a great atmosphere at their ground.
They’re in year one of a rebuild and will only improve throughout this season but also throughout the year as they develop off-field. With the RFL’s Strategic Review recommending that Super League move to 16 teams, there is surely a spot in that competition with London’s name on it meaning Jason Demetriou has a year to ready his side.
Leeds Rhinos’ latest transfer pursuit, Hull FC new boy assessed and potential cup ‘upsets’ – Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show here.
