Bradford Bulls End 12-Year Wait With Home Win

The roar at Odsal stadium hadn't echoed like this in over a decade, but Bradford Bulls gave their fans something worth screaming about.

The Bulls demolished Catalans Dragons 28-10 in their first home Super League match since financial troubles forced them out of top-flight rugby in 2014. The victory wasn't just a win. It was proof that comeback stories happen in real life, not just movies.

Bradford came out swinging in the first half. Andy Ackers powered over the line in the eighth minute, setting the tone for what would become a masterclass performance. Rowan Milnes added three penalties before Waqa Blake and Caleb Aekins scored additional tries, sending Bradford into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead.

The French side fought back after the break, scoring two tries to cut the deficit. But Blake's second score restored the 18-point cushion, and Bradford held firm to secure the emotional victory.

Player of the Match Joe Mellor summed up the team's mindset perfectly. "We're not here to make up the numbers," he told Sky Sports after the game. "If we build on performances like that and keep building through the year, let's see where we end up."

The Ripple Effect

This win means more than three points in the standings. Bradford's return to Super League represents a lifeline for a community that rallied around its struggling team for over a decade. The victory shows other clubs facing financial hardship that recovery is possible with determination and community support.

The sold-out crowd at Odsal witnessed history, celebrating not just a rugby match but the resurrection of a beloved institution. Local businesses, fans, and players who stuck with the Bulls through the dark years finally got their reward.

Bradford's journey from financial collapse to Super League victory sends a powerful message: setbacks don't have to be permanent. Sometimes the comeback is even sweeter than the original success.