Leeds moved to the top of the Super League after a 24-12 win over West Yorkshire rivals Bradford in their first Betfred Super League meeting for 12 years. The Good Friday fixture at Odsal was the first of three clashes between the teams in 2026 and lifted the Rhinos level on points at the summit after Wigan Warriors’ 34-24 defeat to St Helens earlier in the day.
Odsal buzzed early as a neat kick from Rowan Milnes was gathered by Waqa Blake to open the scoring, though Milnes missed the conversion. Leeds found it difficult to break down a stubborn Bulls defence until James McDonnell chased down his own kick to register a try that Jake Connor converted. Bradford hit back before half-time when Caleb Aekins surged forward and fed Connor Wynne, who finished down the flank; Milnes was unable to add the extras and the hosts went in 8-6 up.
The Rhinos turned the screw after half-time. Quick, incisive passing created space for Jack Bird to touch down, with Connor narrowly off target with the kick. Leeds then produced the try of the evening when Ash Handley finished a brilliant solo effort, blending agility, strength and pace — Connor’s kick put Leeds ahead. A further penalty from Connor extended their control before Cooper Jenkins crossed and was converted, leaving Aekins’ late score only a consolation for Bradford.
Leeds’ win was built on an improved second-half display, sharper handling and accurate goal-kicking at key moments. The result leaves the Rhinos sitting at the top of the table alongside their rivals as the Super League season intensifies.
2026 Super League — key dates and what to watch for:
– Rivals Round: April 3–5
– Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6 — Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors, 18:30 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 show every Super League game live this season, including two exclusively live matches per round, with the remaining fixtures available on Sky Sports+.