After an 11-year absence, Bradford is set to return to the Super League in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the team since its relegation in 2014.

A previous version of this article was published on October 16, 2025, following the confirmation of Bradford Bulls' promotion to the Super League for the 2026 season.

Bradford Bulls is a team that evokes strong emotions in the rugby league community, with a reputation that extends beyond the sport itself.

The team has a unique ability to transcend its sport, with a brand that is recognizable even to those who are not familiar with rugby league, albeit with a legacy that has faded over time.

Following a decade-long absence, Bradford will rejoin the Super League in 2026, a testament to the team's perseverance and dedication to regaining its former status.

For the team's fans, who have been deprived of top-tier competition for so long, this return will be a momentous occasion, especially given the team's history of attracting large crowds, including a 24,000-plus attendance for a derby match against Leeds Rhinos.

Head coach Kurt Haggerty will lead the team in its Super League return, which begins with an away match against Hull FC, and will be tasked with managing the expectations that come with coaching a team with Bradford's history.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Haggerty stated, "We're the new era Bulls, and we're on our own journey," emphasizing the need to balance the team's legacy with its current ambitions.

Haggerty further noted, "We have to acknowledge our history and celebrate it at times, but we're not putting undue pressure on the players; we're all quite level-headed about it."

Bradford will take Salford's place in the Super League for the 2026 season, marking a significant change in the league's lineup.

Burnham and Dennett have been in discussions with the RFL regarding Salford's situation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the team.

The IMG grading system is a mechanism used to evaluate teams, but how does it actually work, and what are its implications for the sport?

As a former player, coach, and fan of Bradford, Brian Noble brings a unique perspective to the team's journey, having experienced its highs and lows firsthand.

The team's decline from being a major force in the sport to a rebuilding phase has diminished its claim to being a powerhouse, affecting its fanbase, recruitment, and investor appeal.

However, the investment from a passionate board and the leadership of chief executive Jason Hirst, a hometown fan, have alleviated concerns about the team's potential decline.

The club's foundation plays a vital role in promoting the sport to new audiences, while partnerships with local amateur clubs help establish community ties.

Off the field, Bradford has consistently generated profits in recent seasons, while on the field, the team has undergone careful rebuilding under a series of coaches, including John Kear and Mark Dunning.

Until the end of the previous season, former coach Brian Noble, who led the team to numerous titles during its heyday, was at the helm, helping to restore the team's passion, professionalism, and DNA.

The team is now under the guidance of head coach Kurt Haggerty, who has served his apprenticeship with Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh, and Salford Red Devils, bringing a new perspective to the team.

Haggerty expressed his pride in the team's journey, acknowledging the efforts of Jason Hirst, Brian Noble, and the board of directors in securing Bradford's return to the Super League.

"I'm incredibly proud, but it's a testament to the hard work of Jason, Brian, and the board, who have worked tirelessly to get the club back into the Super League," Haggerty added.

Bradford's careful planning and adherence to the grading system have ultimately led to their selection as the most suitable replacement for Salford in the Super League for the 2026 season.

Odsal Stadium, the team's home ground, still maintains a unique atmosphere, despite its flaws and aging infrastructure.

Many rival fans have been impressed by Bradford's resurgence and the progress the team has made, albeit with some reservations.

Odsal Stadium, which opened in 1934, has a rich history, but its age and condition have been evident, prompting recent investments in upgrades such as a big screen, LED advertising, and an extended TV gantry.

Further investment has been made to prepare the stadium for the team's first home game against Catalans Dragons on February 20, ensuring a fitting setting for the occasion.

The first home game will be an emotional day for many, according to Haggerty, who noted that the match against a French team adds an extra layer of incentive.

Haggerty stated, "It will be a really emotional day for a lot of people, and we're looking forward to it."

The team's first home game in the Super League will be a significant occasion, with the added incentive of facing a French team.

Despite the upgrades, Odsal Stadium still has its limitations, including uncertainty over the pitch, which has been affected by the venue's dual use as a motorsport track.

The team's Super League title win in 2005, led by captain Jamie Peacock, marked a turning point and potentially the peak of the team's success.

The subsequent departure of key players such as Peacock, Robbie Hunter-Paul, and Leon Pryce led to a decline in the team's fortunes, and by the time of their relegation in 2014, the team's aura had faded significantly.

The relegation in 2014, under the coaching of Jimmy Lowes, marked a low point for the team, which has since been working to rebuild and regain its former status.

As Bradford seeks to re-establish itself as a top-tier team, the question remains as to how it will achieve this goal.

The team's recruitment process had to be accelerated due to the late confirmation of their Super League return, with Toulouse and York also competing for talent.

Notable signings include hooker Andy Ackers from Leeds, prop Ryan Sutton from Gold Coast Titans, and Jayden Nikorima and Loghan Lewis from Salford.

Haggerty noted, "I was surprised by the number of players who wanted to join Bradford, and we had to act quickly to secure the right talent."

The recruitment process was intense, with a limited window of two and a half to three weeks to make key signings after the team's Super League return was confirmed.

Haggerty reflected, "It was a nerve-wracking time, but I believe we've made some excellent signings in a short period."

Bradford's last title win was in 2005, after which the team's squad gradually disbanded, and the new generation failed to replicate the success of their predecessors.

Little has changed in the landscape since their departure, with the status quo remaining largely intact.

The 2025 victory by Hull KR marked a significant milestone, as they became only the fifth team to claim the top prize, with the previous instance being in 2004 when the Bulls were defeated, allowing Leeds to join the ranks of champion teams.

Bradford can draw inspiration from Hull KR's journey, particularly their experiences in 2016, when they faced relegation through the Million Pound Game, only to bounce back with a promotion the following year.

The transformation of Hull KR from struggling team to champions can be attributed to the establishment of a strong core of dedicated players, who set the tone for the team's culture, and the appointment of a skilled and driven coach, Willie Peters.

Key players such as Elliot Minchella, a Bradford native who joined from the Bulls, Jez Litten, and Dean Hadley now form the backbone of the team, while Mikey Lewis has developed into a world-class talent within this supportive environment.

Hull KR's achievement serves as a beacon of hope for other teams, demonstrating that it is possible to break through the dominance of the top teams and achieve success.

Although Bradford still has a long way to go, the potential for growth and success exists, and with the right approach, the club can build on its promise and become a competitive force in the future.