After over a decade in the shadows, the Bradford Bulls are finally roaring back into the Super League spotlight in 2026, and fans are ecstatic. But here's where it gets emotional: for many, this promotion isn't just about rugby—it's about reclaiming a piece of Bradford's identity. The city has faced its share of challenges, and the Bulls' return to the big stage feels like a victory for the community as a whole.
The Top House pub, a stone's throw from the Odsal Stadium, has been the heart of Bulls fandom for years. Its walls are a shrine to rugby league's golden era, with posters commemorating historic matches like the 1954 Challenge Cup Final replay, where a staggering 102,575 fans witnessed Warrington's triumph over Halifax. For Elaine Crowther, the pub's landlady and a die-hard Bulls supporter, the promotion is bittersweet. 'It's a good thing,' she reflects, 'though not everyone was on board.' Yet, she's hopeful for her business. 'Super League brings bigger crowds,' she explains, 'and that means more away fans—something we haven't seen much of in the Championship.'
And this is the part most people miss: the Bulls' ascent isn't just about on-field performance. It's tied to the sport's broader 'Reimagining Rugby League' initiative, led by media giant IMG. Clubs are graded based on a mix of on-field success and off-field factors, and the Bulls earned the coveted Grade B status, securing their spot over the Salford Red Devils. But here's the controversial bit: does this grading system truly measure a club's worth, or does it risk sidelining tradition and fan loyalty in favor of metrics?
For lifelong fans like Christine Watt, 70, from Buttershaw, the promotion is a dream come true. 'Bradford deserves to be back on the map,' she declares. 'We've lost so much, and this means everything.' Peter Wightman, 76, a retired sign fitter from Odsal, reminisces about the glory days of local rivalries, especially against the Leeds Rhinos. 'Those games were always electric,' he recalls. 'I hope the Bulls can rebuild that legacy.'
Even non-sports fans like Paul Harper, a 62-year-old entertainer, see the bigger picture. 'It’s a boost for the city,' he says, recalling the days when the club was known as Bradford Northern and his friend Keith Mumby was a star player. 'More revenue for businesses, more pride for Bradford—it’s a win-win.'
But here's the question that lingers: Can the Bulls sustain their success in the Super League, or will they face the same financial struggles that plagued them in the past? And does the grading system truly serve the sport, or is it a double-edged sword? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
