Rugby League Apr 18, 2026

Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

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By Admin
Sports Journalist
Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

Leeds moved top of the table after overcoming Bradford 24-12 in the west Yorkshire rivals’ first Betfred Super League meeting in 12 years.

The old foes last faced each other in the early stages of the 2019 Betfred Challenge Cup and the Good Friday clash was the first of three meetings in 2026.

Rhinos are now joint top of the Super League after Wigan Warriors' stunning 34-24 loss to St Helens Saints earlier on Good Friday.

Bradford have been through some difficult times since their last Super League encounter in 2014, but Odsal was dreaming when Waqa Blake raced on to a lovely kick by Rowan Milnes to open the scoring.

Milnes failed to convert - one of three missed kicks in the first half - and Leeds struggled to breakdown the hosts before James McDonnell's chased down his own kick.

Jake Connor converted, but the Bulls would have an 8-6 half-time advantage as Caleb Aekins roared forward and played over for Connor Wynne to burst down the flank to cross the whitewash.

Milnes was unable to split the sticks, having earlier missed a penalty, and the Rhinos put their foot in the gas in the second period.

Quick passing ended with Jack Bird scoring a try and, after Connor missed from out wide, Ash Handley ran in the try of the evening with a solo effort that displayed agility, strength and speed.

Connor added the extras before his penalty put Leeds in further control, with Cooper Jenkins' converted try rendering Aekins' late effort a consolation.

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