Super League: Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos - Rhinos move top after derby win - BBC Sport

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Leeds beat Bradford to go top of Super League

Image 1: James McDonnell of Leeds celebrates with team-mates after scoring a try Image source, SWPIX

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Bradford Bulls' meeting with Leeds Rhinos was their first in Super League for almost 12 years

By Jay Freeman

BBC Sport England

Published 4 hours ago
67 Comments

Betfred Super League

Bradford (8) 12

Tries: Blake, Wynne, Aekins

Leeds (6) 24

Tries: McDonnell, Bird, Handley, Jenkins Goals: Connor 4

Leeds Rhinos moved to the top of Super League as they earned a derby victory over Bradford Bulls at Odsal.

Victory for Brad Arthur's side means they leapfrog Wigan Warriors into top spot, after the Cherry and Whites were beaten by a resurgent St Helens earlier on Friday.

Waqa Blake sent the Bulls ahead but James McDonnell grounded his own kick as Leeds hit back after 25 minutes.

Connor Wynne restored Bradford's lead on the verge of half-time but Jack Bird, Ash Handley and Cooper Jenkins went in before Caleb Aekins' late consolation for the hosts.

The fixture was the first derby between the two sides in Super League since August 2014, after Bradford's return to the top flight this season.

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Bradford hit the ground running when Rowan Milnes' inspired grubber kick was met by Blake, who beat Lachie Miller to the ball to dot down.

However, Blake's night was over shortly after as he limped from the field and Leeds hit back following a similar defensive mishap at the other end.

Bradford failed to deal with McDonnell's audacious kick chase as the Rhinos forward raced in to score before the hosts could regain possession.

The Bulls were undeterred, however, and were rewarded when Wynne touched down in the corner following a flowing set of lateral passes prior to him being sent through.

Bradford's lead did not last for long as Leeds tipped the game back in their favour at the start of the second half as Brodie Croft sent Bird through.

Handley's weaving run then turned the game further, as Bradford struggled to deal with his pace as he rounded in for Leeds' third try.

Bradford then lost Phoenix Steinwede with what looked to be a hamstring injury and Jenkins crashed over soon after to send Leeds out of sight.

Aekins' try, which came following a Bradford set which began deep inside their own half, proved too little too late.

Bradford: Aekins; Wynne, Marsters, Blake, Ryan; Atkin, Milnes; Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Fulton, Ruan, Mellor.

Interchanges: Souter, Ormondroyd, Hallas, Steinwede.

Leeds: Miller; Sivo, Bird, Handley, Hall; Croft, Connor; Holroyd, O'Connor, Jenkins, Hankinson, McDonnell, Watkins.

Interchanges: Oledzki, Palasia, Levi, Smith.

Referee: Liam Moore.

Leeds beat Bradford to go top of Super League

Super League: Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos - Rhinos move top after derby win - BBC Sport

Leeds beat Bradford to go top of Super League

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