Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty says the build-up to this week’s game has felt different as his side prepare to face Leeds Rhinos in a Super League derby for the first time in 12 years.
The early Super League era saw memorable clashes between the clubs at Odsal, with ‘Bullmania’ and Leeds’ ‘Golden Generation’ of Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield defining that period. Bradford’s financial troubles and relegation in 2014 put the regular meetings on hold — until now.
This Good Friday fixture is the first official Super League derby between Leeds and Bradford since 2014. The two teams sit close in the table — Leeds third and Bradford sixth, separated by just two points — so the result carries weight for both league position and local bragging rights. Bradford will be keen to mark their return to the top flight with a memorable win at Odsal. The Bulls are looking to bounce back from a defeat to Castleford, while Leeds arrive having ended Warrington’s unbeaten start to the season.
Haggerty admits the atmosphere around the club has been tangible and that managing emotions has been a key part of preparation. He said the week has “felt a little bit different” and that staff have had to rein in the excitement to keep focus on the task. With both clubs back in the Super League picture and the fixture falling at Odsal, Haggerty described it as a big day for the club and its supporters and expressed the hope that his players can put on a show for the fans.
Key Super League 2026 dates and notes to watch:
– Rivals Round: April 3–5
– Super League in Paris: June 6 — Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors (6:30 UK, Sky Sports)
– Magic Weekend: July 4–5
– Rivals Round (reversed): July 23–26
– Elimination Play-offs: September 19–20
– Play-off semi-finals: September 26–27
– Grand Final: October 3 at Old Trafford
Sky Sports will again broadcast every Super League game live this season, with two matches each round shown exclusively live and the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+.