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

👤
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.

Your Site will again show every game of the Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining five matches each week shown on

Tags:

rugby-league news

Share this article

Related Posts

Super League: Wakefield run 10 tries past Bradford, as Warrington miss out on going joint-top after Catalans defeat

Super League: Wakefield run 10 tries past Bradford, as Warrington miss out on going joint-top after Catalans defeat

Tom Johnstone and Olivier Pratt both scored hat-tricks as Wakefield swept past Bradford 52-12 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium to move up into second place...

Hull KR run riot in 46-0 win over Toulouse Olympique as Leigh Leopards get back to winning ways with 18-6 win over York Knights

Hull KR run riot in 46-0 win over Toulouse Olympique as Leigh Leopards get back to winning ways with 18-6 win over York Knights

Hull KR ran riot with eight tries and picked up their third straight win in Betfred Super League with a comprehensive 46-0 victory over Toulouse.Ellio...

Super League investment talks: NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says progress made amid hopes of 'partnership, not takeover'

Super League investment talks: NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says progress made amid hopes of 'partnership, not takeover'

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo says progress has been made in talks over the southern-hemisphere body investing in Super League, but insists they are...

Huddersfield Giants 22-56 Leeds Rhinos: Brodie Croft scores four tries as Brad Arthur's side run riot and move to top of table

Huddersfield Giants 22-56 Leeds Rhinos: Brodie Croft scores four tries as Brad Arthur's side run riot and move to top of table

Brodie Croft scored four tries as Leeds Rhinos cruised to a 56-22 win over Huddersfield Giants in round eight of Super League at the Accu Stadium.The...

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins' Catalans Dragons departure confirmed as head coach cites 'personal reasons' for decision to step down

Joel Tomkins has confirmed he has chosen to step down from his role as head coach at Catalans Dragons, a role he held for just under a year, due to "p...

John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

John Cartwright left 'betrayed and disrespected' by Hull FC after departure announcement

John Cartwright says he has been left "betrayed and disrespected" after his Hull FC exit was confirmed before the club had given him an explanation.Hu...