After an 11-year hiatus, the Bradford Bulls are finally making their triumphant return to the Super League in 2026, and fans couldn’t be more emotional about it. For a city that’s weathered its share of losses, this feels like a beacon of hope—but not everyone is celebrating just yet.
The journey back to the top hasn’t been easy. Once a dominant force in the 2000s, the Bulls faced financial turmoil and even a stint in League One in 2018. Now, their promotion comes courtesy of the sport’s grading system, overseen by media giant IMG under the 'Reimagining Rugby League' initiative. This system evaluates clubs on both on-field performance and off-field operations, awarding the Bulls the highest Grade B status. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this system truly fair, or does it favor clubs with deeper pockets?
For fans like Elaine Crowther, landlady of The Top House pub opposite the club’s Odsal Stadium, the promotion is a double-edged sword. 'It’s a good thing, but opinions are split,' she admits. While her business stands to benefit from larger crowds, she notes that during the Bulls’ time in the Championship, few away fans traveled for matches. 'Super League is different,' she adds, hinting at the potential economic boost for the area. The pub’s walls, adorned with posters from rugby league’s glory days—like the 1954 Challenge Cup Final replay that drew over 102,000 fans—serve as a reminder of what’s at stake.
Christine Watt, a 70-year-old lifelong Bulls supporter from Buttershaw, couldn’t be prouder. 'It’s brilliant—Bradford deserves to be back on the map,' she says. 'We’ve lost so much here, so this means everything.' Her sentiment echoes the city’s resilience and the club’s role in its identity.
Peter Wightman, a 76-year-old retired electrical sign fitter from Odsal, reflects on the Bulls’ storied history. A fan for four decades, he recalls watching home games with his dad when the club was still called Bradford Northern. 'Playing Leeds Rhinos was always a classic,' he says, anticipating the revival of local rivalries. But he’s pragmatic about the team’s current form: 'They win some, they lose some—just like any Championship team.' His hope? 'If they’ve got the money, they should invest in players.'
Even non-sports fans like Paul Harper, a 62-year-old singer and ex-drummer, recognize the promotion’s impact. 'It’s a boost for the city,' he says, recalling his connection to the club through his friend, rugby legend Keith Mumby. 'It’ll help businesses and bring in extra revenue—that’s good for everyone.'
And this is the part most people miss: While the promotion is a win for Bradford, it also raises questions about the future of smaller clubs in the sport. Is rugby league becoming a game only the wealthy can play? Or is this grading system the necessary evolution to ensure sustainability?
As the Bulls prepare for their Super League return, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about rugby—it’s about a city’s pride, its past, and its future. What do you think? Is the grading system fair, or does it tilt the playing field? Let us know in the comments—this conversation is far from over.
