Bradford Bulls ‘in contention’ for Super League spot in 2025

Bradford Bulls CEO Jason Hirst has revealed his thoughts on whether the team can get an IMG grade worthy of a Super League spot.

When the preliminary grades were released, the Bulls were ranked 14th at 12.02 points. With Castleford’s correct finances included, going beyond what the club says, they would be 11th – making Wakefield Trinity 12.52 points, 0.50 more than Bradford, the lowest score for a place in the Super League.

Trinity’s performance on the pitch this year and other improvements, including at Belle Vue, mean the Bulls will always need to make significant improvements themselves, while Castleford have already made vast improvements and Leigh, close to the Bulls in scores from 2023 , expect to have an A grade score soon.

With both expected to be very high scoring before the 2025 draft, it will be tough for the Bulls to catch them.

However, at the fans’ forum on Monday night, senior club officials attempted to provide fans with some clarity.

QUIZ: Can you name the Super League year by looking at the final league standings?

1.

2000

2001

2002

2003

Bradford Bulls CEO reveals club’s Super League chances for 2025

Hirst said the club expected a score of at least 13, which would have placed them 10th in the indicative rankings, but it was not known what the scores of the clubs around them would be.

General manager Tracy Erby added, as reported by The Telegraph and Argus: “Whether it will be enough to make Super League next season, we just don’t know at the moment because we don’t have the chance to compare our score with the likes of Castleford.

“But one thing we can say for sure is that we will be in a stronger position at the end of this year when it comes to the final grade than we were when we got our indicative score last October.”

Hirst also hinted that he could be out of reach next year, looking to achieve Super League status in the near future: “Even if we don’t make it this year, I hope you see the ambition of the club because we wouldn’t be making these improvements if we didn’t have that .

“I’m realistic but I think we’ll be back in Super League sooner rather than later and we’ll remember that the fans can help us with that.

“We’re in the best place we’ve been in years.”