The long-awaited return of the West Yorkshire derby between the Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Super League finally arrived on April 3, 2026, electrifying Odsal Stadium and rugby league fans across the region. With the match broadcast live on BBC TV and radio, anticipation was sky-high for the first top-flight meeting between these storied rivals in almost 12 years. The last such clash dated back to August 2014, making this a truly historic night for both clubs and their supporters.
Leeds Rhinos, guided by head coach Brad Arthur, came into the contest with a strong, largely unchanged squad. Only rookie centre Max Simpson was unavailable due to a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. England international Harry Newman, still recovering from minor knocks, was absent for a second straight week, with new signing Jack Bird slotting in as his replacement. Arthur, ever the candid coach, sympathized with those left out of the matchday group, stating, “It is hard, as a coach I am whinging I can’t get everyone in the team, but if we had injuries I’d be whinging about that. As coaches we are never happy. I just feel sorry for those guys, it is part of the gig.” He praised the club’s staff and sporting director Ian Blease for assembling a deep, competitive squad, adding, “It creates good, healthy competition for spots and that’s what we need.”
On the other side, Bradford Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty made three notable changes to his squad following the previous week’s defeat to Castleford Tigers. Connor Wynne came onto the wing, Zac Fulton returned in the back-row after recovering from concussion, and Mitch Souter was promoted to the bench. The absence of Jayden Nikorima saw Chris Atkin step up from the bench into the starting line-up at stand-off. Eliot Peposhi also returned from suspension, while Luke Hooley, Guy Armitage (out with a hamstring injury), and Brandon Douglas dropped out of the squad. The Bulls’ line-up featured several ex-Leeds players, including Andy Ackers, Sam Hallas, Leon Ruan, and Jack Ormondroyd, adding extra spice to the derby atmosphere.
Kick-off at Odsal was set for 20:00 BST, with referee Liam Moore overseeing proceedings. The match opened with Bradford showing early intent and energy. Rowan Milnes’ clever grubber kick was seized upon by Waqa Blake, who beat Leeds full-back Lachie Miller to the ball and grounded it for the game’s opening try. The Bulls’ fans erupted in celebration, but their joy was tempered moments later when Blake had to leave the field due to injury—a significant blow to Bradford’s attacking options.
Leeds responded in kind, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Bulls. Around the 25-minute mark, James McDonnell executed an audacious kick chase, regathering his own kick and scoring to level the contest. The try was a testament to McDonnell’s determination and quick thinking, as he raced past the Bradford defense to touch down before they could recover. The Rhinos’ momentum, however, was momentarily checked as Bradford rallied once more. Just before half-time, a sweeping set of lateral passes found Connor Wynne in space, and the winger finished expertly in the corner to restore Bradford’s lead. The home side entered the break with an 8-6 advantage, and the Odsal faithful dared to dream of a famous upset.
Yet, Leeds emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. Brodie Croft, pulling the strings at stand-off, sent Jack Bird through a gap in the Bradford defense early in the second half, swinging the contest back in the Rhinos’ favor. Ash Handley, Leeds’ captain and ever-reliable finisher, then showcased his trademark pace with a weaving run that left the Bulls’ defenders grasping at shadows as he crossed for Leeds’ third try. The momentum had clearly shifted, and the visitors began to assert their dominance.
To compound Bradford’s woes, Phoenix Steinwede suffered a hamstring injury and was forced from the field, further depleting the Bulls’ resources. Leeds took full advantage, with Cooper Jenkins powering over for another try to stretch the lead. Jake Connor, who had an outstanding night with the boot, converted four goals to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the Rhinos.
Despite the mounting deficit, Bradford refused to roll over. Deep into the second half, they mounted a spirited attack from inside their own half, culminating in a try for Caleb Aekins. The effort was a consolation, but it typified the Bulls’ resilience and fighting spirit on their return to Super League’s biggest stage. As the final whistle sounded, Leeds Rhinos emerged 24-12 victors, moving to the top of the Super League table and leapfrogging Wigan Warriors, who had fallen to St Helens earlier in the evening.
The match was not just about the result—it was a showcase of tactical adjustments and individual milestones. Chris Hankinson, usually a versatile utility back, made his first career appearance in the back-row for Leeds, a move that drew attention ahead of kick-off. Jarrod O’Connor and Cooper Jenkins also started, with Danny Levi, Keenan Palasia, and Cameron Smith providing impact from the bench. For Bradford, Chris Atkin’s promotion to the starting line-up and the return of Zac Fulton added fresh impetus, but the absence of key players like Nikorima and Armitage ultimately left them short-handed.
Reflecting on the night, Arthur’s pre-match comments about squad depth and competition for places looked prescient. “They are training well and doing all the right things. There is no negativity from them around the group. If they had their choice they’d rather be in the team and that’s what we need—we need guys who all want to be in the team, then the guys who are can’t take it for granted because the ones who are missing out want their spots. That’s not a negative thing, it’s a positive.” His words rang true as Leeds’ depth and adaptability proved decisive on derby night.
For the Bulls, the defeat was a setback, but the performance offered glimpses of promise for the rest of the campaign. Their return to Super League has rekindled one of rugby league’s great rivalries, and with a passionate home crowd behind them, Bradford will be eager to build on this foundation in the weeks ahead.
As the dust settles on a memorable night at Odsal, Leeds Rhinos march on at the summit of Super League, while Bradford Bulls regroup and look to channel their derby passion into the challenges to come. One thing’s for sure: West Yorkshire rugby league is back with a bang, and fans on both sides can’t wait for the next chapter.