Wakefield Trinity continued their remarkable ascent in Super League with a gutsy 26-12 victory over Bradford Bulls at Odsal Stadium, a result that lifts them to second in the table. Two years after meeting in the Championship, both clubs have returned to the top flight, but it was Trinity who showcased champion-like resilience to secure a fifth try and leapfrog Wigan in the standings.
Early try sets tone but Bulls fight back
Tom Johnstone opened the scoring after just two minutes when Bradford made a mess of the kick-off, giving Wakefield an early lead. However, the Bulls, decimated by injuries this season, showed immense resilience. Kurt Haggerty's side lost prop Loghan Lewis in the warm-up, and Dan Russell withdrew midway through the first half. Despite these setbacks, Ethan Ryan levelled the scores with a superb aerial finish.
Wakefield nudged ahead again as half-time approached when Will Tate forced his way over, making it 10-4. After the restart, Jay Pitts extended Trinity's lead to two scores, but Bradford roared back. Chris Atkin's magnificent try narrowed the gap to four points, and as the game entered the final quarter, momentum was with the Bulls.
Wakefield show resolve to secure win
Wakefield had to show all their resolve, which has pushed them past teams like reigning champions Hull KR in recent weeks, to avoid a major upset. With pressure mounting, Trinity held firm. Josh Rourke seized on a Caleb Aekins error to score the crucial next try, putting daylight between the teams again. That moment seemed to break the spirit of the Bulls, who had given everything.
Harvey Smith's instinctive finish in the final three minutes sealed the win, making the final score 26-12. Bradford's coach, Kurt Haggerty, expressed devastation: “We put a big theme around the week of beating a team in the top six, and I’m so devastated we’ve not won the game. That really stings. The gap is big in terms of longevity in Super League, squad depth and finances, but when you turn up and compete ... I’m so proud of them.”
Trinity's trajectory under Matt Ellis
Wakefield's owner, Matt Ellis, promised big investment and ambition when he took charge just under three years ago, and the club's trajectory since their solitary season in the Championship in 2024 has been remarkable. After making the playoffs last year, all eyes were on Trinity to see if they could kick on again. Coach Daryl Powell noted, “Would we lose that last year? Maybe. We’ve come out of another tight game and that’s pleasing from a coaching perspective.”
Wakefield sit second after this victory, and while bigger tests are still to come, the Super League table suggests a new name is entering the conversation for the Grand Final. One of rugby league’s grand old clubs appears to be waking from its slumber.
