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. Attend.6,441 vs York City Knights
Top scorers
TriesEthan Ryan (36)
GoalsDane Chisholm (121)
PointsDane Chisholm (312)
< 2017 List of seasons 2019 >

Season review

August 2017

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

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 Riess 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Riess 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

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

Pre-season friendlies

LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss

Bulls score is first.

DateCompetitionVrsH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttReport
26 December 2017Pre SeasonHalifax RLFCHOdsal StadiumW22-6Minchella (2), Grant, KirkSmith 2/3, Milnes 1/12,226Report
14 January 2018Pre SeasonSheffield EaglesHOdsal StadiumW12-6Crossley, GrantMilnes 2/21,428Report
21 January 2018Pre SeasonDewsbury RamsACrown FlattL0-24--1,012Report
26 January 2018Pre SeasonToronto WolfpackHOdsal StadiumL0-34--2,461Report
11 February 2018Pre SeasonKeighley CougarsHOdsal StadiumW28-20Johnson (2), Brown, Minchella, PickersgillKeyes 4/51,395Report

Player appearances

  • Friendly games only
FB=FullbackC=CentreW=WingerSO=Stand OffSH=Scrum HalfP=PropH=HookerSR=Second RowLF=Loose ForwardB=Bench
NoPlayer12345
1Lee SmithSOSOxCC
2Ethan RyanxBFBWFB
3Ashley GibsonCCxC
4Ross OakesWCC
5Dalton GrantBWxWW
6Joe KeyesBSH
7Dane Chisholm
8Liam KirkBPPPB
9Sam HallasLLxHH
10Steve CrossleyPPxPB
11Matt GarsideSRSRxSRB
12Elliot MinchellaSHSHxSHB
13George MiltonL
14Gregg McNallyxxxFBB
15Callum BustinB
16Danny KingBBCBSR
17Ross PeltierBBxBB
18Liam JohnsonCSRSRSRB
19Mikey WoodPBLBP
20Alex BrownxBWxW
22Jordan AndradexxxBP
24Brandon PickersgillFBFBSOSOSO
25Josh RickettWWWBB
26Vila HalafihiHBHBB
27Reiss ButterworthBHBBB
28James DaviesxBPBx
29Evan HodgsonSRBSRBSR
30Jamel GoodallBBBLx
31Oliver WilsonxxBxx
32Matthew StortonxxBxx
33Rowan MilnesBBSHx
n/aHarvey BurnettxxBBC
n/aTom DoylexxBxx
n/aAlix StephensonxxBxx
n/aKeelan FosterxxBxx
n/aEbon ScurrxxBxx

= Injured

= Suspended


Table

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 7 956 495 +461 38
4 Workington Town 26 17 0 9 833 517 +316 34
5 Oldham 26 16 0 10 902 325 +577 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 13 839 657 +182 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[lower-alpha 1]
Source:
Notes:
  1. West Wales Raiders deducted four points post-season for fielding an ineligible player in two matches


Fixtures and results

LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss

2018 League 1

DateCompetitionRndVrsH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttLive on TVReport
18 February 2018League 11York City KnightsABootham CrescentW22-20Crossley, Gibson, MinchellaKeyes 5/64,281-Report
11 March 2018League 13Keighley CougarsACougar ParkW54-6Flanagan (2), Minchella (2), Grant, Hallas, Keyes, Peltier, RyanKeyes 9/102,912-Report
25 March 2018League 14Hunslet RLFCHOdsal StadiumW32-12Grant (3), Hallas (2), ChisholmKeyes 4/73,688-Report
30 March 2018League 15Oldham RLFCHOdsal StadiumW30-12Grant (2), Chisholm, MinchellaKeyes 4/4, Smith 2/2, Chisholm 1/24,036-Report
8 April 2018League 16Workington TownADerwent ParkL16-17Butler-Fleming, PeltierKeyes 4/41,366-Report
15 April 2018League 17Coventry BearsHOdsal StadiumW52-6Flanagan (2), Hitchcox (2), Johnson (2), Gibson, Keyes, Minchella, RyanKeyes 6/103,568-Report
29 April 2018League 18Doncaster RLFCAKeepmoat StadiumW32-6Minchella (2), Flanagan, Ryan, WoodKeyes 6/62,780-Report
6 May 2018League 19West Wales RaidersHOdsal StadiumW124-0Minchella (3), Garside (3), Chisholm (2), Grant (2), Pickersgill (2), Ryan (2), Bustin, Flanagan, Halafihi, Hallas, Laithwaite, Peltier, SmithChisholm 20/213,298-Report
12 May 2018League 12London SkolarsHOdsal StadiumW54-16Ryan (4), Grant (2), Bustin, Gibson, Peltier, Pickersgill, SmithChisholm 5/113,041-Report
18 May 2018League 110Newcastle ThunderAKingston ParkW26-16Chisholm, Flanagan, Minchella, RyanChisholm 5/64,137-Report
27 May 2018League 111Hemel StagsAPennine Way StadiumW68-0Grant (2), Minchella (2), Chisholm, Flanagan, Garside, Halafihi, Laithwaite, Peltier, Pickersgill, RyanChisholm 10/12838-Report
9 June 2018League 112North Wales CrusadersHOdsal StadiumW50-12Garside (2), Ryan (2), Smith (2), Chisholm, Keyes, PickersgillChisholm 7/93,112-Report
17 June 2018League 113Whitehaven RLFCARecreation GroundW27-20Keyes (2), Crossley, HalafihiChisholm 5/6, Keyes 1 DG1,476-Report
24 June 2018League 114Doncaster RLFCHOdsal StadiumW56-14Ryan (4), Pickersgill (2), Bustin, Chisholm, Crossley, LaithwaiteChisholm 8/104,220-Report
30 June 2018League 115Coventry BearsAButts Park ArenaW62-12Minchella (3), Hallas (2), Johnson, Keyes, Laithwaite, Milton, Peltier, RyanChisholm 9/111,476-Report
6 July 2018League 116Newcastle ThunderHOdsal StadiumW24-4Chisholm, Pickersgill, RyanChisholm 6/63,029-Report
15 July 2018League 117Hunslet RLFCASouth Leeds StadiumW36-16Flanagan (2), Gibson (2), Crossley, KeyesChisholm 6/81,536-Report
22 July 2018League 118York City KnightsHOdsal StadiumL28-30Grant (2), McNally, Peltier, RyanChisholm 4/66,441-Report
28 July 2018League 119London SkolarsANew River StadiumW58-12Ryan (3), Chisholm (2), Green, Halafihi, Lilley, Minchella, Peltier, PickersgillChisholm 7/111,178-Report
4 August 2018League 120Whitehaven RLFCHOdsal StadiumW46-0Ryan (3), Minchella (2), Hallas, Lilley, PickersgillChisholm 6/8, Lilley 1/12,818-Report
12 August 2018League 121North Wales CrusadersARacecourse GroundW48-0Chisholm (2), Egodo, Garside, Keyes, Minchella, Pownall, RyanChisholm 8/9886-Report
19 August 2018League 122Workington TownHOdsal StadiumL18-24Chisholm, Garside, MinchellaChisholm 0/1, Lilley 3/4, Keyes 0/13,320-Report
2 September 2018League 123Keighley CougarsHOdsal StadiumW54-4Egodo (3), Ryan (3), Flanagan (2), Keyes, MinchellaKeyes 7/103,119-Report
9 September 2018League 124West Wales RaidersAStebonheath ParkW104-0Hitchcox (3), Minchella (3), Bustin (2), Grant (2), McNally (2), Ryan (2), Chisholm, Crossley, Egodo, Peltier, StortonKeyes 14/19826-Report
16 September 2018League 125Oldham RLFCAWhitebank StadiumW24-16Flanagan, Hitchcox, Peltier, StortonKeyes 4/41,038-Report
23 September 2018League 126Hemel StagsHOdsal StadiumW52-7Grant (2), Pownall (2), Storton (2), Bustin, Hitchcox, Oakes, PickersgillChisholm 6/102,885-Report
30 September 2018League 1SFOldham RLFCHOdsal StadiumW47-0Minchella (2), Ryan (2), Gibson, Hitchcox, Keyes, PeltierKeyes 7/10, Chisholm 1 DG2,788-Report

Player appearances

  • League 1 only
FB=FullbackC=CentreW=WingerSO=Stand-OffSH=Scrum HalfPR=PropH=HookerSR=Second RowL=Loose ForwardB=Bench
NoPlayer1345678921011121314151617181920212223242526SF
1Lee SmithCCxCCCCCCCCC
2Ethan RyanWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWxW
3Ashley GibsonCCCCxCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
4Ross OakesxxxCxxxxxxxxxCCCCCCCCxxxBx
5Dalton GrantWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWxWxWx
6Joe KeyesSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOBBSOSOSOxSO
7Dane ChisholmBSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHSHxSHSHSHSH
8Liam KirkPxxxxPBPxBxPPBPBxBBBBBPPPxP
9Sam HallasHHHHHBHLBxLHBBHHHHxHHLHxHx
10Steve CrossleyPPPPPPPxPPPPPPxPPPPPPPPBPxP
11Matt GarsideSRSRSRSRSRxSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRBSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRB
12Elliot MinchellaSHSRSRSRSRBLBLSOSOLLSRSRLSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRxSR
13George MiltonLLLLLLLBBLLx
14Gregg McNallyFBFBFBFBBFBFBFBFBxxFB
15Callum BustinxPPPPBPPPPPPPPPPPBP
16Danny Kingxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
17Ross PeltierBBBBBxBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBxBBBBB
18Liam JohnsonSRxBBBSRxxxBxBBSRxxCxxBxxx
19Mikey WoodBBBBBxBBBxBBBLLLBLLLLBLBLxL
20Alex Brownxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
21George FlanaganxBBBBBBHHBBBBHHBxBxB
22Jordan Andradexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
23Jake Butler-FlemingxxCxCxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
24Brandon PickersgillBSHxxFBFBFBSOFBFBFBFBFBFBFBFBxxFBFBFBFBBxFBFBx
25Josh Rickettxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
26Vila HalafihiBxxxxHxBBHHBHHBBxxBBxxxxxBx
27Reiss Butterworthxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
28James Daviesxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
29Evan Hodgsonxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
30Jamel Goodallxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
31Oliver WilsonxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBx
32Matthew StortonxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxSRSRSRSR
33Rowan MilnesxxxxxxxxSOBxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
35Jy HitchcoxxxxxxCWFBxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCWCW
36James LaithwaitexxxxxSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRSRBSRSR
37James GreenxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBBPPPPBxBPB
38Jordan LilleyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxSOSOSOSOSHHHSOH
39Tuoyo EgodoxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxCCCCCCCxC
40Jonny PownallxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxBBBWxxWx

= Injured

= Suspended

League 1 Playoff Final

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
DateCompetitionVrsH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttLive on TVReport
7 October 2018FinalWorkington TownHOdsal StadiumW27-8Hitchcox (3), Chisholm, Flanagan, KeyesChisholm 1/3, Keyes 0/2, Crossley 0/1, Chisholm 1 DG6,011-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

LEGEND
  Win
  Draw
  Loss
DateCompetitionRndVrsH/AVenueResultScoreTriesGoalsAttTVReport
25 February 2018Cup3rdWest Wales RaidersHOdsal StadiumW82-6Minchella (5), Gibson (2), Johnson (2), McNally (2), Bustin, Chisholm, Crossley, RyanKeyes 11/151,505-Report
2 April 2018Cup4thHunslet RLFCASouth Leeds StadiumW34-10Garside, Johnson, Minchella, Rickett, RyanChisholm 7/81,081-Report
21 April 2018Cup5thWarrington WolvesAHalliwell Jones StadiumL6-54KeyesKeyes 1/14,710-Report

Player appearances

  • Challenge Cup games only
FB=FullbackC=CentreW=WingerSO=Stand OffSH=Scrum HalfP=PropH=HookerSR=Second RowL=Loose ForwardB=Bench
NoPlayer345
1Lee SmithCx
2Ethan RyanWWW
3Ashley GibsonCCC
4Ross OakesCC
5Dalton GrantWW
6Joe KeyesSOSO
7Dane ChisholmBSH
8Liam KirkPP
9Sam HallasHxx
10Steve CrossleyPBP
11Matt GarsidexSRSR
12Elliot MinchellaSRBSH
13George MiltonLxL
14Gregg McNallyFBFB
15Callum BustinBxB
16Danny Kingxxx
17Ross PeltierPPB
18Liam JohnsonSRSRSR
19Mikey WoodBLB
20Alex Brownxxx
21George FlanaganxBB
22Jordan AndradexBx
23Jake Butler-Flemingxxx
24Brandon PickersgillSHSOFB
25Josh RickettxWx
26Vila HalafihiBHH
27Riess Butterworthxxx
28James Daviesxxx
29Evan Hodgsonxxx
30Jamel Goodallxx
31Oliver Wilsonxxx
32Matthew Stortonxxx
33Rowan Milnesxxx

Squad statistics

  • 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 Riess 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

In

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

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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