Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show<\/a><\/p>\nBradford Bulls v Leeds Rhinos talking points<\/p>\n
Rhinos take the bragging rights:<\/p>\n
In a scoreline that doesn\u2019t perhaps reflect the game, Leeds took victory in the first of three league meetings between the two sides this year.<\/p>\n
Bradford, who have been so solid at home to begin 2026, couldn\u2019t keep their home winning run alive and just couldn\u2019t find their groove in such a crucial game.<\/p>\n
They also left eight points on the floor as Rowan Milnes couldn\u2019t convert from the boot. With an 8-6 lead at half-time, the Bulls looked like they could potentially get something from the game, but a hugely improved second half from Leeds proved pivotal as Brad Arthur\u2019s side ended the evening at the top of the table.<\/p>\n
Leeds man sweating disciplinary as Bulls injuries continue:<\/p>\n
Bradford were dealt a hammer blow just fifteen minutes into the contest with centre Waqa Blake being forced from the field. After the scoring the first try, the former St Helens man looked to have been victim of what looked to be a hip drop tackle by Kallum Watkins.<\/p>\n
The incident was put on report and will be investigated in the coming days, however the challenge cost Kurt Haggerty his star centre for the remainder of the game, so Watkins could be in trouble with the disciplinary panel.<\/p>\n
In the second half, star prop Ryan Sutton left the field hobbling. More information will be provided post-match, however if Bradford are to be without Sutton for the next few weeks it would be disaster given his impact in the early part of 2026.<\/p>\n
Back rower Phoenix Steinwede, in only his second appearance for the club after moving from Australia, left the field with the help of the physios as the Bradford pack saw another man sidelined.<\/p>\n
As a result of Steinwede\u2019s injury, it forced Sutton to re-enter the field, though it was clear the former Wigan man wasn\u2019t 100%.<\/p>\n
Nikorima absence:<\/p>\n
After only returning from injury in round five, former Salford man Nikorima was again missing from the side this evening. Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke revealed that he is set to be out long-term with a hamstring injury, in what is a cruel blow after only signing for the club this off-season.<\/p>\n
Chris Atkin featured in his place, and whilst it was Rowan Milnes that was the Bulls\u2019 focal point, the ex-Hull KR man had his hand in a number of Bradford\u2019s attacking exploits.<\/p>\n
Wasteful Rhinos:<\/p>\n
Leeds had the better of the possession in the opening half, but their last plays cost them real opportunities to post points, and as a result went into the break behind.<\/p>\n
Following a sensational Jake Connor 40\/20, Leeds had six consecutive sets on the Bradford line, but couldn\u2019t come up with the goods and convert the field position.<\/p>\n
Their playmakers failed to pose any threat to the Bulls defence, and lacked that dynamic attacking spark from the ruck.<\/p>\n
Danny Levi was benched for the opening 40, and whilst he added an extra threat, their final plays still were far too easy for Bradford to defend.<\/p>\n
Mellor the machine:<\/p>\n
Albeit in defeat, one of the best players on the pitch this evening has to be Bradford loose forward Joe Mellor. Making well over 60 tackles, he also provided the assist for Caleb Aekins\u2019 second half try to potentially start a late comeback.<\/p>\n
Signed from Salford in the off-season, Mellor is currently the top tackler in Super League and he is one of the competition\u2019s most underrated, backing that up again this evening.<\/p>\n
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