Wikipedia

2018 Bradford Bulls season

This article details the Bradford Bulls rugby league football club's 2018 season. This is the Bulls 1st season in League 1. Following liquidation, the Bulls finished last place in the 2017 RFL Championship season and were relegated alongside Oldham.

2018 Bradford Bulls season
League 1 Rank2nd
Play-off resultWinners - Promoted
Challenge Cup5th Round
2018 recordWins: 27; draws: 0; losses: 4
Points scoredFor: 1393; against: 360
Team information
ChairmanAndrew Chalmers
Head CoachJohn Kear
Captain
StadiumOdsal Stadium
High attendance6,441 vs York City Knights
Top scorers
TriesEthan Ryan (36)
GoalsDane Chisholm (121)
PointsDane Chisholm (312)
← 2017 List of seasons 2019 →

Season review

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August 2017

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By the start of August it was confirmed that the Bulls would be relegated into League 1 after finishing bottom of the 2017 RFL Championship table.[1] Preparation for the 2018 season began in August when it was announced that academy graduate and first team player Keenan Tomlinson agreed to leave the Bulls by mutual consent. This was swiftly followed by the news that home grown second-rower and the 2017 Player of the Year James Bentley, had signed a 3-year deal with Super League side St. Helens.[2]

September 2017

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Home grown centre Ross Oakes and prop forward Liam Kirk both re-signed with Bradford among speculation that the duo would leave due to the Bulls relegation, however both signed new 2-year deals.[3] It was announced that centre James Mendieka had been released by the club after three seasons.[4] Young academy graduate hooker Joe Lumb signed a 1-year deal with local League 1 side Keighley Cougars after not featuring much during 2017.[5] Further departures were announced as winger Johnny Campbell resigned with his old club Batley Bulldogs.[6] While fellow winger Omari Caro announced on social media that he had retired from the sport.[7] Second row forward Colton Roche joined the mini exodus as he signed for Huddersfield Giants of the Super League.[8] Some good news followed the exodus as it was revealed that highly rated academy prospects Reiss Butterworth, Evan Hodgson and Oliver Wilson all signed new 3-year contracts with the Bulls.[9] Hodgson and Butterworth have both featured in the first team during the 2017 season, however Wilson is yet to make his debut. In a shock move, Bradford managed to acquire the services of current superstar halfback Dane Chisholm for another 2 season despite interest from several other clubs.[10] Meanwhile, prop forward Ross Peltier put pen to paper on a new 2-year deal and young halfback Joe Keyes also signed up for another 2 years.[11][12] Hooker Vila Halafihi became the 9th player to re-sign with the Bulls after agreeing a new 2-year deal to stay at Odsal.[13] Following this, hooker Scott Moore was released after declining to sign a new contract.[14] Lifelong Bulls fan and loose forward Elliot Minchella became the first new signing of the 2018 season as he signed a 2-year part-time deal from RFL Championship side Sheffield Eagles.[15] The month ended on a high for the Bulls as they announced the capture of experienced second rower Matt Garside from Championship team London Broncos on a 2-year deal.[16]

October 2017

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October started with the re-signing of two young academy products, winger Josh Rickett and fullback Brandon Pickersgill both signed 2 year part-time deals after making a handful of appearances last season.[17] After initially signing for Leigh Centurions, young winger Ethan Ryan re-signed with Bradford on a 2-year deal following Leigh's relegation to the Championship.[18] Prop forward James Davies signed a 1-year extension to his contract to stay at Bradford, whilst it was announced that young prop Mikey Wood signed on a 1-year loan deal from Super League side Huddersfield Giants.[19][20] Young prop George Milton signed a 2-year deal with Bradford from newly promoted side Hull Kingston Rovers.[21] It was announced that former prop and academy graduate Steve Crossley would return to the club for a third spell from Canadian side Toronto Wolfpack on a 2-year deal.[22]

November 2017

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Off-contract winger Iliess Macani departed the Bulls and signed for RFL Championship side Sheffield Eagles on a 1-year deal.[23] It was announced that the Bulls would play local rivals Halifax in a festive Boxing Day friendly, the first the Bulls have participated in since 2012.[24] Following this it was also confirmed that the Bulls would play Sheffield Eagles in a friendly as a part of the Dane Chisholm transfer midway through last season.[25] Young second-row forward Liam Johnson followed the footsteps of Mikey Wood and joined the Bulls from Super League side Huddersfield Giants on a season long loan.[26] The fixtures for the 2018 season were announced and the Bulls would kick off the campaign away to York City Knights on 18 February, before hosting the London Skolars at home on 4 March. The highly anticipated derby with local rivals Keighley Cougars were scheduled on 11 March (away) and 2 September (home).[27] It was also revealed that head coach Geoff Toovey would not be returning to the Bulls and in the meantime Leigh Beattie will take up the interim head coach role until a new coach is appointed.[28] Championship side Dewsbury Rams released details to two friendlies, with one being against the Bulls on 21 January at Crown Flatt, meanwhile Bradford announced that they would face Keighley Cougars in a friendly match on 11 February for the Joe Philips Memorial trophy.[29][30] Sheffield Eagles announced that they would face Bradford in a friendly in 2018 as part of the deal which brought superstar halfback Dane Chisholm to the Bulls in 2017, the tie will be played on 11 January.[31] The newest team in rugby league, Toronto Wolfpack also announced a ground breaking Transatlantic Challenge which would see them face the Bulls in a pre-season match in 2018 and 2019, with the 2018 fixture being played at Odsal on 26 January and the 2019 fixture likely to be played in Canada or the United States to promote the sport.[32] Prop forward Jon Magrin who featured for the Bulls 25 times in 2017 decided to sign with Championship side Sheffield Eagles on a 2-year deal joining fellow former teammate Iliess Macani.[33]

December 2017

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December started off with the news that the Bulls had signed young utility forward Jamel Goodall on a one-year contract from Castleford Tigers after impressing beforehand with Keighley Cougars.[34] It was also announced that following the departure of Geoff Toovey, former Sheffield Eagles, Hull F.C. and England coach John Kear had signed a 3-year deal to become head coach. His first move was to appoint long term clubman and interim coach Leigh Beattie as his assistant coach whilst making experienced back Lee Smith the club captain.[35] Bradford also secured the services of young centre/second row Callum Bustin on a season long loan deal from Castleford Tigers, he has had previous loan spells at fellow League 1 clubs Newcastle Thunder and London Skolars.[36] The Bulls released their new 2018 home shirt which pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of Bradford Northern's Premiership victory in 1978, featuring a red, amber and black chevron on a white background. During this reveal the 2018 squad numbers were also released with club captain Lee Smith retaining the number 1 shirt, other major movers include centre Ashley Gibson at number 3, Sam Hallas at number 9, Steve Crossley at number 10 whilst newcomers Matt Garside, Elliot Minchella and George Milton will wear the number 11, 12 and 13 shirts.[37] With the appointment of the shirt numbers it means that Australian prop Damien Sironen has not signed a new deal, veteran centre Willie Tonga and fullback Oscar Thomas were released. Another new signing was unveiled in the form of experienced Championship winger Dalton Grant on a 1-year deal from London Broncos, Grant missed the 2017 season due to injury but is looking to earn a starting spot for the Bulls.[38] 30 year old former Super League winger Alex Brown signed a 1-year deal with the Bulls from local side Batley Bulldogs becoming the 10th new recruit for the season.[39] The Boxing Day friendly ended with a 22-6 victory for the Bulls with newcomer Elliot Minchella scoring two tries and fellow newcomer Dalton Grant also crossing for a try whilst youngster Liam Kirk also scored. Club captain Lee Smith kicked two goals and academy player Rowan Milnes also kicked a goal.

January 2018

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Top points scorer from last season Oscar Thomas followed former Bulls Iliess Macani and Jon Magrin by signing with RFL Championship side Sheffield Eagles on a one-year deal.[40] The next friendly for the Bulls saw them overcome RFL Championship side Sheffield Eagles 12-6 in a very defensive match which saw Steve Crossley and Dalton Grant claim tried for Bradford whilst youngster Rowan Milnes kicked two goals. The following game saw the Bulls field a young side away at Dewsbury Rams for former player Paul Sykess' testimonial. The Bulls lost the match 24-0. During a press conference it was revealed that the Bulls had entered a dual registration with Championship side Toronto Wolfpack.[41] Also in this press conference the Bulls announced the signing of fullback Gregg McNally on a two-year deal from Leigh Centurions and also revealed the new red 2018 away kit.[42] The Bulls faced their new dual registration partners in a friendly, however the Toronto side outclassed the Bradford side who lost the match 34-0.

February 2018

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Recently signed prop forward Jamel Goodall put pen to paper on a contract extension, after impressing coach John Kear in the pre-season games, keeping Goodall at the Bulls until after the 2019 season.[43] The Bulls finished their pre-season friendlies with a hard-fought 28-20 win over local rivals Keighley Cougars. Loan signing Liam Johnson scored a brace whilst Alex Brown, Elliot Minchella and Brandon Pickersgill also scored with Joe Keyes kicking 4 goals. The league season started with a narrow 22-20 victory over promotion rivals York City Knights, prop forward Steve Crossley, centre Ashley Gibson and Minchella all crossed for a try and Keyes held his nerve in the final minute to kick a penalty goal to provide the win for the Bulls and bring his personal tally to 5 goals for the game. The Bulls announced the signing of Bradford born hooker George Flanagan from Hunslet R.L.F.C. on a two-year deal.[44] Bradford progressed in the 2018 Challenge Cup with a comprehensive 82-6 win over West Wales Raiders, second rower Minchella scored five tries in the rout with Gibson, Johnson and Gregg McNally scoring two tries each. Callum Bustin, Dane Chisholm, Crossley and Ethan Ryan also crossed the try line and Joe Keyes rounded off the scoring with 11 goals.

March 2018

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March started with the news that trialist Harvey Burnett had been signed on a permanent deal following an impressive pre-season.[45] The scheduled league match against London Skolars was postponed due to bad weather. In their next league match the Bulls came out 54-6 winners over local rivals Keighley Cougars. New signing George Flanagan and Elliot Minchella both scored a brace of tries whilst Dalton Grant, Sam Hallas, Joe Keyes, Ross Peltier and Ethan Ryan also scored tries, Keyes kicked 9 conversions. Trialist Dan King was allocated the number 16 shirt whilst winger Alex Brown retired from the sport to pursue a full-time job. Trialist Jordan Andrade was also signed on a permanent deal whilst Toronto Wolfpack centre Jake Butler-Fleming joined the Bulls on a one-month loan deal.[46] Prop forward James Davies joined local rivals Keighley Cougars on a one-month loan deal.[47] Following the win against Keighley the Bulls secured a 32-12 victory over Hunslet R.L.F.C. with Dalton Grant scoring a hat-trick, Sam Hallas scoring two tries and halfback Dane Chisholm rounding off the scoring with Keyes making 4 conversions. The Bulls rounded off March with a 30-12 win over fellow promotion contenders Oldham R.L.F.C., Grant continued his scoring run with a brace of tries whilst Chisholm and Minchella also crossed the line with conversions from Keyes, Lee Smith and Chisholm.

April 2018

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The month started with a 34-10 win away at Hunslet R.L.F.C. in the re-arranged 2018 Challenge Cup tie. Matt Garside scored for the first time in a Bulls shirt whilst Liam Johnson, Josh Rickett and Ethan Ryan also scored with Elliot Minchella scoring his 10th try of the season to ensure the Bulls progressed to the 5th Round and a tie against Super League side Warrington Wolves.[48] However a trip to Cumbria to face former player Leon Pryce's side Workington Town brought the Bulls back to earth as their unbeaten start to the season ended with a 16-17 loss, Jake Butler-Fleming and Ross Peltier provided the tries for Bradford. Following the defeat it was announced that Jake Butler-Fleming would move back to Toronto Wolfpack in order to facilitate a move to York City Knights, meanwhile the Bulls announced that Jy Hitchcox from Castleford Tigers had joined on a month's loan alongside second rower James Laithwaite who is also on a month's loan from Toronto.[49] The Bulls got back to winning ways with a 52-6 victory over Coventry Bears, new loanee Jy Hitchcox made his mark with two tries whilst Liam Johnson and George Flanagan also scored two each. Ashley Gibson, Joe Keyes, Elliot Minchella and Ethan Ryan rounded off the scoring. Bradford's Challenge Cup hopes were ended by Warrington in a 54-6 defeat with a try and goal coming from Joe Keyes. The month ended with a top of the table clash against Doncaster R.L.F.C. at the Keepmoat Stadium, the Bulls came away with a 32-6 victory as Elliot Minchella grabbed a brace with Flanagan, Ryan and Mikey Wood also scoring.

May 2018

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The Bulls posted a club record score of 124-0 against West Wales Raiders to go back to the top of the table.[50] Elliot Minchella and Matt Garside both scored hat-tricks whilst Dane Chisholm, Dalton Grant, Brandon Pickersgill and Ethan Ryan scored two tries each. Further tries from Callum Bustin, George Flanagan, Vila Halafihi, Sam Hallas, James Laithwaite, Ross Peltier and Lee Smith ensured the Bulls came away with a heavy win. During the match Chisholm broke the club record for points scored in a match by coming away with 48 points and also broke the goal kicking record by nailing 20 out of 21 conversions. Another big win came in the rearranged league fixture against London Skolars. Bradford won the match 54-16, Ethan Ryan scoring four tries and fellow wing man Grant grabbing two. Bustin, Ashley Gibson, Peltier, Pickersgill and Smith also scored tries. A tough test followed this as the Bulls came away from Newcastle Thunder with a narrow 26-16 win. Chisholm, Flanagan, Minchella and Ryan all got on the scoresheet. Meanwhile, youngster Reiss Butterworth joined RFL Championship side Batley Bulldogs on loan for a month.[51] The Bulls finished May with a comprehensive 68-0 win over Hemel Stags, Dalton Grant and Elliot Minchella grabbed the headlines scoring a brace of tries each while Chisholm, Flanagan, Garside, Halafihi, Laithwaite, Peltier, Pickersgill and Ryan also scored. Chisholm continued his fine form with the boot kicking 10 from 12.

June 2018

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June started with a 50-12 win against North Wales Crusaders. Matt Garside, Ethan Ryan and Lee Smith scored two tries, Dane Chisholm, Joe Keyes and Brandon Pickersgill also scored tries with Chisholm kicking 7 goals.[52]

Milestones

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Pre-season friendlies

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LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss

Bulls score is first.

Date Competition Vrs H/A Venue Result Score Tries Goals Att Report
26 December 2017 Pre Season  Halifax RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 22-6 Minchella (2), Grant, Kirk Smith 2/3, Milnes 1/1 2,226 Report
14 January 2018 Pre Season  Sheffield Eagles H Odsal Stadium W 12-6 Crossley, Grant Milnes 2/2 1,428 Report
21 January 2018 Pre Season  Dewsbury Rams A Crown Flatt L 0-24 - - 1,012 Report
26 January 2018 Pre Season  Toronto Wolfpack H Odsal Stadium L 0-34 - - 2,461 Report
11 February 2018 Pre Season  Keighley Cougars H Odsal Stadium W 28-20 Johnson (2), Brown, Minchella, Pickersgill Keyes 4/5 1,395 Report

Player appearances

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  • Friendly games only
FB=Fullback C=Centre W=Winger SO=Stand Off SH=Scrum half P=Prop H=Hooker SR=Second Row LF=Loose forward B=Bench
No Player 1 2 3 4 5
1 Lee Smith SO SO x C C
2 Ethan Ryan x B FB W FB
3 Ashley Gibson C C x C  
4 Ross Oakes W C C    
5 Dalton Grant B W x W W
6 Joe Keyes     B   SH
7 Dane Chisholm          
8 Liam Kirk B P P P B
9 Sam Hallas L L x H H
10 Steve Crossley P P x P B
11 Matt Garside SR SR x SR B
12 Elliot Minchella SH SH x SH B
13 George Milton         L
14 Gregg McNally x x x FB B
15 Callum Bustin         B
16 Danny King B B C B SR
17 Ross Peltier B B x B B
18 Liam Johnson C SR SR SR B
19 Mikey Wood P B L B P
20 Alex Brown x B W x W
22 Jordan Andrade x x x B P
24 Brandon Pickersgill FB FB SO SO SO
25 Josh Rickett W W W B B
26 Vila Halafihi H B H B B
27 Reiss Butterworth B H B B B
28 James Davies x B P B x
29 Evan Hodgson SR B SR B SR
30 Jamel Goodall B B B L x
31 Oliver Wilson x x B x x
32 Matthew Storton x x B x x
33 Rowan Milnes B B SH   x
n/a Harvey Burnett x x B B C
n/a Tom Doyle x x B x x
n/a Alix Stephenson x x B x x
n/a Keelan Foster x x B x x
n/a Ebon Scurr x x B x x

  = Injured

  = Suspended


Table

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Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1   York City Knights 26 24 0 2 1130 308 +822 48 Champions
2   Bradford Bulls 26 23 0 3 1197 282 +915 46 Play-off semi-finals
3   Doncaster 26 19 0 7 956 497 +459 38
4   Workington Town 26 17 0 9 833 517 +316 34
5   Oldham 26 16 0 10 902 345 +557 32
6   Whitehaven 26 16 0 10 702 529 +173 32
7   Hunslet 26 15 0 11 735 596 +139 30
8   Newcastle Thunder 26 14 0 12 841 520 +321 28
9   Keighley Cougars 26 13 0 13 841 657 +184 26
10   North Wales Crusaders 26 9 1 16 589 660 −71 19
11   Coventry Bears 26 7 0 19 406 1058 −652 14
12   London Skolars 26 6 1 19 626 887 −261 13
13   Hemel Stags 26 2 0 24 314 1286 −972 4
14   West Wales Raiders 26 0 0 26 176 2106 −1930 −4[a]
Source: [1]
Notes:
  1. ^ West Wales Raiders deducted four points post-season for fielding an ineligible player in two matches

Fixtures and results

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LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss

2018 League 1

Date Competition Rnd Vrs H/A Venue Result Score Tries Goals Att Live on TV Report
18 February 2018 League 1 1  York City Knights A Bootham Crescent W 22-20 Crossley, Gibson, Minchella Keyes 5/6 4,281 - Report
11 March 2018 League 1 3  Keighley Cougars A Cougar Park W 54-6 Flanagan (2), Minchella (2), Grant, Hallas, Keyes, Peltier, Ryan Keyes 9/10 2,912 - Report
25 March 2018 League 1 4  Hunslet RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 32-12 Grant (3), Hallas (2), Chisholm Keyes 4/7 3,688 - Report
30 March 2018 League 1 5  Oldham RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 30-12 Grant (2), Chisholm, Minchella Keyes 4/4, Smith 2/2, Chisholm 1/2 4,036 - Report
8 April 2018 League 1 6  Workington Town A Derwent Park L 16-17 Butler-Fleming, Peltier Keyes 4/4 1,366 - Report
15 April 2018 League 1 7  Coventry Bears H Odsal Stadium W 52-6 Flanagan (2), Hitchcox (2), Johnson (2), Gibson, Keyes, Minchella, Ryan Keyes 6/10 3,568 - Report
29 April 2018 League 1 8  Doncaster RLFC A Keepmoat Stadium W 32-6 Minchella (2), Flanagan, Ryan, Wood Keyes 6/6 2,780 - Report
6 May 2018 League 1 9  West Wales Raiders H Odsal Stadium W 124-0 Minchella (3), Garside (3), Chisholm (2), Grant (2), Pickersgill (2), Ryan (2), Bustin, Flanagan, Halafihi, Hallas, Laithwaite, Peltier, Smith Chisholm 20/21 3,298 - Report
12 May 2018 League 1 2  London Skolars H Odsal Stadium W 54-16 Ryan (4), Grant (2), Bustin, Gibson, Peltier, Pickersgill, Smith Chisholm 5/11 3,041 - Report
18 May 2018 League 1 10  Newcastle Thunder A Kingston Park W 26-16 Chisholm, Flanagan, Minchella, Ryan Chisholm 5/6 4,137 - Report
27 May 2018 League 1 11  Hemel Stags A Pennine Way Stadium W 68-0 Grant (2), Minchella (2), Chisholm, Flanagan, Garside, Halafihi, Laithwaite, Peltier, Pickersgill, Ryan Chisholm 10/12 838 - Report
9 June 2018 League 1 12  North Wales Crusaders H Odsal Stadium W 50-12 Garside (2), Ryan (2), Smith (2), Chisholm, Keyes, Pickersgill Chisholm 7/9 3,112 - Report
17 June 2018 League 1 13  Whitehaven RLFC A Recreation Ground W 27-20 Keyes (2), Crossley, Halafihi Chisholm 5/6, Keyes 1 DG 1,476 - Report
24 June 2018 League 1 14  Doncaster RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 56-14 Ryan (4), Pickersgill (2), Bustin, Chisholm, Crossley, Laithwaite Chisholm 8/10 4,220 - Report
30 June 2018 League 1 15  Coventry Bears A Butts Park Arena W 62-12 Minchella (3), Hallas (2), Johnson, Keyes, Laithwaite, Milton, Peltier, Ryan Chisholm 9/11 1,476 - Report
6 July 2018 League 1 16  Newcastle Thunder H Odsal Stadium W 24-4 Chisholm, Pickersgill, Ryan Chisholm 6/6 3,029 - Report
15 July 2018 League 1 17  Hunslet RLFC A South Leeds Stadium W 36-16 Flanagan (2), Gibson (2), Crossley, Keyes Chisholm 6/8 1,536 - Report
22 July 2018 League 1 18  York City Knights H Odsal Stadium L 28-30 Grant (2), McNally, Peltier, Ryan Chisholm 4/6 6,441 - Report
28 July 2018 League 1 19  London Skolars A New River Stadium W 58-12 Ryan (3), Chisholm (2), Green, Halafihi, Lilley, Minchella, Peltier, Pickersgill Chisholm 7/11 1,178 - Report
4 August 2018 League 1 20  Whitehaven RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 46-0 Ryan (3), Minchella (2), Hallas, Lilley, Pickersgill Chisholm 6/8, Lilley 1/1 2,818 - Report
12 August 2018 League 1 21  North Wales Crusaders A Racecourse Ground W 48-0 Chisholm (2), Egodo, Garside, Keyes, Minchella, Pownall, Ryan Chisholm 8/9 886 - Report
19 August 2018 League 1 22  Workington Town H Odsal Stadium L 18-24 Chisholm, Garside, Minchella Chisholm 0/1, Lilley 3/4, Keyes 0/1 3,320 - Report
2 September 2018 League 1 23  Keighley Cougars H Odsal Stadium W 54-4 Egodo (3), Ryan (3), Flanagan (2), Keyes, Minchella Keyes 7/10 3,119 - Report
9 September 2018 League 1 24  West Wales Raiders A Stebonheath Park W 104-0 Hitchcox (3), Minchella (3), Bustin (2), Grant (2), McNally (2), Ryan (2), Chisholm, Crossley, Egodo, Peltier, Storton Keyes 14/19 826 - Report
16 September 2018 League 1 25  Oldham RLFC A Whitebank Stadium W 24-16 Flanagan, Hitchcox, Peltier, Storton Keyes 4/4 1,038 - Report
23 September 2018 League 1 26  Hemel Stags H Odsal Stadium W 52-7 Grant (2), Pownall (2), Storton (2), Bustin, Hitchcox, Oakes, Pickersgill Chisholm 6/10 2,885 - Report
30 September 2018 League 1 SF  Oldham RLFC H Odsal Stadium W 47-0 Minchella (2), Ryan (2), Gibson, Hitchcox, Keyes, Peltier Keyes 7/10, Chisholm 1 DG 2,788 - Report

Player appearances

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  • League 1 only
FB=Fullback C=Centre W=Winger SO=Stand-off SH=Scrum half PR=Prop H=Hooker SR=Second Row L=Loose forward B=Bench
No Player 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 SF
1 Lee Smith C C x C     C C C C C C C C                          
2 Ethan Ryan W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W x W
3 Ashley Gibson C C C C x C C C C C C C C C C C C           C   C C C
4 Ross Oakes   x x x C x x x x x x x x x C C C C C C C C x x x B x
5 Dalton Grant W W W W W W   W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W x W x W x
6 Joe Keyes SO SO SO SO SO SO SO         SO SO SO SO SO SO SO     B B SO SO SO x SO
7 Dane Chisholm   B SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH SH x SH SH SH SH
8 Liam Kirk P x x x x P B P x B x P P B P B x B B B B B P P P x P
9 Sam Hallas H H H H H B H L B x L H B B H H H H x H H L H   x H x
10 Steve Crossley P P P P P P P x P P P P P P x P P P P P P P P B P x P
11 Matt Garside SR SR SR SR SR x SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR   B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR     SR B
12 Elliot Minchella SH SR SR SR SR B L B L SO SO L L   SR SR L SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR x SR
13 George Milton L L L L L L       L         B       B         L   L x
14 Gregg McNally FB FB FB FB               B         FB FB         FB FB x x FB
15 Callum Bustin x P P P P B P P P P P     P P P P P           P B P  
16 Danny King x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
17 Ross Peltier B B B B B x B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B x B B B B B
18 Liam Johnson SR x B B B SR   x x x B x B B SR x x C       x x B x x x
19 Mikey Wood B B B B B x B B B x B B B L L L B L L L L B L B L x L
20 Alex Brown     x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
21 George Flanagan x B B B B B B H H B B           B B H     H B x B x B
22 Jordan Andrade x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
23 Jake Butler-Fleming x x C x C x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
24 Brandon Pickersgill B SH x x FB FB FB SO FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB x x FB FB FB FB B x FB FB x
25 Josh Rickett x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
26 Vila Halafihi B x x x x H x B B H H B H H B B x x B B x x x x x B x
27 Reiss Butterworth x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
28 James Davies x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
29 Evan Hodgson x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
30 Jamel Goodall   x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
31 Oliver Wilson x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x B x
32 Matthew Storton x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x SR SR SR SR
33 Rowan Milnes x x x x x x x x SO B x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
35 Jy Hitchcox x x x x x C W FB x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x C W C W
36 James Laithwaite x x x x x SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR SR                    
37 James Green x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x B B P P P P B x B P B
38 Jordan Lilley x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x SO SO SO SO SH H H SO H
39 Tuoyo Egodo x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x C C C C C C C x C
40 Jonny Pownall x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x B B B W x x W x

  = Injured

  = Suspended

League 1 Playoff Final

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After finishing 2nd in the 2018 RFL League 1 season and beating Oldham R.L.F.C. in the Semi Final the Bulls qualified for the League 1 Playoff Final, Workington Town finished 4th in the table and beat Doncaster R.L.F.C. in the Semi Final meaning that the two teams would meet in a play-off match to determine who would be promoted to the RFL Championship in 2019.

LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss
Date Competition Vrs H/A Venue Result Score Tries Goals Att Live on TV Report
7 October 2018 Final  Workington Town H Odsal Stadium W 27-8 Hitchcox (3), Chisholm, Flanagan, Keyes Chisholm 1/3, Keyes 0/2, Crossley 0/1, Chisholm 1 DG 6,011 - Report
2018 League 1 Playoff Final
  Bradford Bulls positions   Workington Town
14. Gregg McNally Fullback 24. Tyllar Mellor
2. Ethan Ryan Winger 2. Joe Hambley
3. Ashley Gibson Centre 3. Elliott Miller
4. Ross Oakes Centre 16. Ben Morris
35. Jy Hitchcox Winger 2. Scott Rooke
6. Joe Keyes Stand off 6. Jamie Doran
7. Dane Chisholm Scrum half 7. Carl Forber
8. Liam Kirk Prop 8. Oliver Wilkes
38. Jordan Lilley Hooker 20. Sean Penkywicz
10. Steve Crossley Prop 23. Tyler Dickinson
11. Matt Garside 2nd Row 18. Karl Olstrom
12. Elliot Minchella 2nd Row 21. Jacob Moore
19. Mikey Wood Loose forward 10. Stevey Scholey
17. Ross Peltier Interchange 9. James Newton
21. George Flanagan Interchange 11. Andrew Dawson
32. Matthew Storton Interchange 15. Tom Curwen
37. James Green Interchange 17. Fuifui Moimoi
John Kear Coach Leon Pryce

Challenge Cup

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LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss
Date Competition Rnd Vrs H/A Venue Result Score Tries Goals Att TV Report
25 February 2018 Cup 3rd  West Wales Raiders H Odsal Stadium W 82-6 Minchella (5), Gibson (2), Johnson (2), McNally (2), Bustin, Chisholm, Crossley, Ryan Keyes 11/15 1,505 - Report
2 April 2018 Cup 4th  Hunslet RLFC A South Leeds Stadium W 34-10 Garside, Johnson, Minchella, Rickett, Ryan Chisholm 7/8 1,081 - Report
21 April 2018 Cup 5th  Warrington Wolves A Halliwell Jones Stadium L 6-54 Keyes Keyes 1/1 4,710 - Report

Player appearances

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  • Challenge Cup games only
FB=Fullback C=Centre W=Winger SO=Stand Off SH=Scrum half P=Prop H=Hooker SR=Second Row L=Loose forward B=Bench
No Player 3 4 5
1 Lee Smith C x  
2 Ethan Ryan W W W
3 Ashley Gibson C C C
4 Ross Oakes   C C
5 Dalton Grant W   W
6 Joe Keyes SO   SO
7 Dane Chisholm B SH  
8 Liam Kirk   P P
9 Sam Hallas H x x
10 Steve Crossley P B P
11 Matt Garside x SR SR
12 Elliot Minchella SR B SH
13 George Milton L x L
14 Gregg McNally FB FB  
15 Callum Bustin B x B
16 Danny King x x x
17 Ross Peltier P P B
18 Liam Johnson SR SR SR
19 Mikey Wood B L B
20 Alex Brown x x x
21 George Flanagan x B B
22 Jordan Andrade x B x
23 Jake Butler-Fleming x x x
24 Brandon Pickersgill SH SO FB
25 Josh Rickett x W x
26 Vila Halafihi B H H
27 Reiss Butterworth x x x
28 James Davies x x x
29 Evan Hodgson x x x
30 Jamel Goodall   x x
31 Oliver Wilson x x x
32 Matthew Storton x x x
33 Rowan Milnes x x x

Squad statistics

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Further information: Bradford Bulls
  • Appearances and Points include (Super League, Challenge Cup and Play-offs) as of 7 October 2018.
No Player Position Age Previous Club Apps Tries Goals DG Points
1 Lee Smith Fullback 31  Leigh Centurions 12 4 2 0 20
2 Ethan Ryan Wing 21 Bradford Bulls Academy 30 36 0 0 144
3 Ashley Gibson Centre 31  Wakefield Trinity 24 8 0 0 32
4 Ross Oakes Centre 21 Bradford Bulls Academy 13 1 0 0 4
5 Dalton Grant Wing 27  London Broncos 25 18 0 0 72
6 Joe Keyes Stand off 22  London Broncos 23 12 82 1 213
7 Dane Chisholm Scrum half 27  Sheffield Eagles 28 17 121 2 312
8 Liam Kirk Prop 20 Bradford Bulls Academy 22 0 0 0 0
9 Sam Hallas Hooker 21  Leeds Rhinos 23 7 0 0 28
10 Steve Crossley Prop 28  Toronto Wolfpack 28 6 0 0 24
11 Matt Garside Second row 27  London Broncos 26 9 0 0 36
12 Elliot Minchella Second row 22  Sheffield Eagles 29 33 0 0 132
13 George Milton Loose forward n/a  Hull Kingston Rovers 13 1 0 0 4
14 Gregg McNally Fullback 27  Leigh Centurions 13 5 0 0 20
15 Callum Bustin Centre 20  Castleford Tigers (Loan) 20 7 0 0 28
17 Ross Peltier Prop 25  Keighley Cougars 29 11 0 0 44
18 Liam Johnson Second row 20  Huddersfield Giants (Loan) 14 6 0 0 24
19 Mikey Wood Second row 21  Huddersfield Giants (Loan) 28 1 0 0 4
20 Alex Brown Wing 30  Batley Bulldogs 0 0 0 0 0
21 George Flanagan Hooker 31  Hunslet R.L.F.C. 20 14 0 0 56
22 Jordan Andrade Prop n/a Trialist 1 0 0 0 0
23 Jake Butler-Fleming Centre n/a  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) 2 1 0 0 4
24 Brandon Pickersgill Fullback 20 Bradford Bulls Academy 24 11 0 0 44
25 Josh Rickett Wing 19 Bradford Bulls Academy 1 1 0 0 4
26 Vila Halafihi Hooker 24  Penrith Panthers 17 4 0 0 16
27 Reiss Butterworth Hooker 18 Bradford Bulls Academy 0 0 0 0 0
28 James Davies Prop 24 Unattached 0 0 0 0 0
29 Evan Hodgson Prop 20 Bradford Bulls Academy 0 0 0 0 0
30 Jamel Goodall Loose forward 20  Castleford Tigers 0 0 0 0 0
31 Oliver Wilson Prop 17 Bradford Bulls Academy 1 0 0 0 0
32 Matthew Storton Second row 18 Bradford Bulls Academy 5 4 0 0 16
33 Rowan Milnes Scrum half 18 Bradford Bulls Academy 2 0 0 0 0
35 Jy Hitchcox Wing 28  Castleford Tigers (Loan) 8 11 0 0 44
36 James Laithwaite Second row 26  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) 12 4 0 0 16
37 James Green Prop 27  Castleford Tigers (Loan) 11 1 0 0 4
38 Jordan Lilley Scrum half 21  Leeds Rhinos (Loan) 10 2 4 0 16
39 Tuoyo Egodo Centre 21  Castleford Tigers (Loan) 8 5 0 0 20
40 Jonny Pownall Wing 25  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) 5 3 0 0 12

Transfers

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In

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Name Position Signed from Date
  Elliot Minchella Loose forward  Sheffield Eagles September 2017
  Matt Garside Second row  London Broncos September 2017
  Mikey Wood Second row  Huddersfield Giants (Loan) October 2017
  George Milton Prop  Hull Kingston Rovers October 2017
  Steve Crossley Prop  Toronto Wolfpack October 2017
  Liam Johnson Second row  Huddersfield Giants (Loan) November 2017
  Jamel Goodall Loose forward  Castleford Tigers December 2017
  Callum Bustin Centre  Castleford Tigers (Loan) December 2017
  Dalton Grant Wing  London Broncos December 2017
  Alex Brown Wing  Batley Bulldogs December 2017
  Gregg McNally Fullback  Leigh Centurions January 2018
  George Flanagan Hooker  Hunslet R.L.F.C. February 2018
  Danny King Second row Trialist March 2018
  Harvey Burnett Centre Trialist March 2018
  Jordan Andrade Prop Trialist March 2018
  Jake Butler-Fleming Centre  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) March 2018
  Jy Hitchcox Wing  Castleford Tigers (Loan) April 2018
  James Laithwaite Second row  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) April 2018
  James Green Prop  Castleford Tigers (Loan) July 2018
  Jordan Lilley Scrum half  Leeds Rhinos (Loan) July 2018
  Tuoyo Egodo Wing  Castleford Tigers (Loan) July 2018
  Jonny Pownall Wing  Toronto Wolfpack (Loan) July 2018

Out

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Name Position Club Signed Date
  Jonathan Walker Prop Released April 2017
  Keenan Tomlinson Second row  Batley Bulldogs July 2017
  James Bentley Second row  St. Helens August 2017
  Colton Roche Second row  Huddersfield Giants September 2017
  James Mendeika Centre Released September 2017
  Omari Caro Wing  London Skolars September 2017
  Johnny Campbell Wing  Batley Bulldogs September 2017
  Scott Moore Hooker Released September 2017
  Wilf Moxon Prop  Wakefield Trinity September 2017
  Joe Lumb Hooker  Keighley Cougars September 2017
  Brandan Wilkinson Second row  Doncaster October 2017
  Iliess Macani Wing  Sheffield Eagles November 2017
  Jon Magrin Prop  Sheffield Eagles November 2017
  Damien Sironen Prop Released December 2017
  Oscar Thomas Fullback  Sheffield Eagles December 2017
  Willie Tonga Centre Retirement December 2017
  Alex Brown Wing Retirement March 2018

References

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  1. ^ "Toovey: Bulls will battle to the end despite relegation". Telegraph & Argus. 6 August 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  2. ^ "Bulls prospect James Bentley: I can make the step up with St Helens". Telegraph & Argus. 19 August 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Bradford Bulls re-sign Academy duo Liam Kirk and Ross Oakes". Telegraph & Argus. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  4. ^ "Released Bradford Bulls winger James Mendeika seeking inner strength as he embarks on next stage of his career". Telegraph & Argus. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Keighley Cougars snap up Joe Lumb from Bradford Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  6. ^ "Jonny Campbell leaves Bradford Bulls for Batley Bulldogs". Telegraph & Argus. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  7. ^ "Omari Caro announces retirement". Instagram. 17 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Huddersfield sign Bradford star for 2018". Total RL. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  9. ^ "Bradford Bulls snap up young trio Reiss Butterworth, Evan Hodgson and Olly Wilson for future". Telegraph & Argus. 16 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  10. ^ "Dane Chisholm signs two-year contract extension with Bradford Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 17 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  11. ^ "Bradford Bulls fan Ross Peltier pens 'easy' deal for more". Telegraph & Argus. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  12. ^ "Joe Keyes signs up for two more years at Bradford Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  13. ^ "Vila Halafihi glad to be centre of attention with new Bradford Bulls deal". Telegraph & Argus. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  14. ^ "Hooker Scott Moore moving on in Bradford Bulls rebuild". Telegraph & Argus. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
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  17. ^ "Rickett: Bulls can make it short and sweet in League One". Telegraph & Argus. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2017.
  18. ^ "Ethan Ryan ready for showtime after sticking with Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  19. ^ "Potential coaches get in early with Bradford Bulls interest". Telegraph & Argus. 14 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  20. ^ "Mikey Wood drops down to step up with Bradford Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 15 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  21. ^ "High quality set-up attracts George Milton to Bradford Bulls". Telegraph & Argus. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  22. ^ "Steve Crossley back at Bradford Bulls for third spell". Telegraph & Argus. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  23. ^ "EAGLES MAKE MACANI THIRD NEW SIGNING AHEAD OF 2018". Sheffield Eagles. 6 November 2017. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  24. ^ "HALIFAX RLFC BOXING DAY PRESEASON CLASH CONFIRMED". Bradford Bulls. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  25. ^ "DANE CHISHOLM RELEASED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT". Sheffield Eagles. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  26. ^ "Liam Johnson joins Bulls after spells with Sheffield and Oldham". Telegraph & Argus. 13 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  27. ^ "2018 FIXTURES ANNOUNCED". Bradford Bulls. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  28. ^ "CLUB STATEMENT - GEOFF TOOVEY". Bradford Bulls. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  29. ^ "Rams announce two pre-season games". Dewsbury Rams. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  30. ^ "BULLS TO HOST KEIGHLEY COUGARS IN JOE PHILLIPS MEMORIAL FIXTURE". Bradford Bulls. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  31. ^ "EAGLES TO FACE BRADFORD IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY". Sheffield Eagles. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  32. ^ "Bradford Bulls and Toronto Wolfpack launch Transatlantic Challenge". Telegraph & Argus. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  33. ^ "JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL MAGRIN SIGNS FOR SHEFFIELD". Sheffield Eagles. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  34. ^ "Bradford Bulls sign utility forward Jamel Goodall for 2018 season". Telegraph & Argus. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  35. ^ "Bradford Bulls set to announce John Kear as new coach". Telegraph & Argus. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  36. ^ "Callum Bustin joins Bradford Bulls on loan". Telegraph & Argus. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  37. ^ "Bradford Bulls go for iconic Northern chevron in 2018 home shirt". Telegraph & Argus. 17 December 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  38. ^ "BRADFORD SIGN DALTON GRANT ON A ONE YEAR DEAL". Bradford Bulls. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
  39. ^ "ALEX BROWN SNAPPED UP BY BULLS". Bradford Bulls. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  40. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Thomas returns to Odsal for Eagles debut". Telegraph & Argus. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  41. ^ "BULLS ANNOUNCE DUAL REGISTRATION WITH TORONTO WOLFPACK". Bradford Bulls. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  42. ^ "Bulls sign Leigh full back Gregg McNally". Telegraph & Argus. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  43. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Utility forward Jamel Goodall excited after signing new deal to 2019". Telegraph & Argus. 3 February 2018. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  44. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Free-scoring hooker returns to Odsal after ten-year absence". Telegraph & Argus. 22 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  45. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Ross Peltier confident John Kear's side won't be dragged into derby brawl". Telegraph & Argus. 7 March 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  46. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Utility back Butler-Fleming signs on loan". Telegraph & Argus. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  47. ^ "Bradford Bulls prop James Davies joins Keighley Cougars on loan". Telegraph & Argus. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  48. ^ "Great Dane helps kick Bradford Bulls into next round". Telegraph & Argus. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  49. ^ "Bulls snap up Hitchcox and Laithwaite". Telegraph & Argus. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  50. ^ "Record-breaking Bulls power to 124-0 win". Telegraph & Argus. 7 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  51. ^ "Bradford Bulls: Kear says Easter double took toll". Telegraph & Argus. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  52. ^ "FULL TIME: Bradford Bulls 50 North Wales Crusaders 12". Telegraph & Argus. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
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