They had an historically poor record in the Challenge Cup, going over half-a-century-without winning it between 1949 and 2000.
Many will remember the successive heartbreaks at the hands of St Helens during the mid-nineties, Robbie Paul certainly does.
But what about their run to Wembley in 1973?
Northern were kindly handed three Odsal home ties in succession, but while Whitehaven were easily dispatched, their other opposition proved sterner.
But Hull Kingston Rovers fell 13-8 in the last-16, before Bradford won a tension-filled home quarter-final 11-7 against Wigan.
They left the comfort of Odsal for a trip to the ground of the old enemy for the semis.
And going into the Headingley showdown, opponents Dewsbury were firm favourites.
Despite their cup run, Bradford were on their way to finishing 23rd in the league, meaning they got relegated to the all-new Second Division.
Conversely, Dewsbury ended up eighth before stunning everyone and going all the way in the play-offs, sensationally beating Leeds 22-13 in the Championship final at Odsal.
And with the men from Crown Flatt able to name a fully fit side for their last-four tie against Bradford, they looked primed for Wembley.
Nobody told Northern that though, as a side containing the likes of Barry Seabourne, David Redfearn and Stan Fearnley romped to a stunning 23-7 win 53 years ago today.
A week later, Featherstone joined them in the final, after thumping Castleford 17-3.
And sadly, it was Rovers who carried their dominance into Wembley, battering Bradford to win 33-14, tries from Redfearn and Fearnley coming in vain.