Bradford Bulls finally halted their alarming slide down the Super League table with a nerve-shredding 16-14 victory over Hull FC at Odsal, ending a five-match losing streak that had threatened to derail their season. The win, secured only after Zak Hardaker's agonizing conversion attempt cannoned back off the upright in the dying minutes, lifts Bradford level on points with their opponents and reignites hopes of climbing away from the lower reaches of the table.
Having conceded an average of 30 points per game during their winless run, Bradford knew a fast start was essential. The tone was set by a cagey opening period dominated by the boot, with Chris Atkin slotting three first-half penalties to Hardaker's two as the hosts edged a 6-4 lead. Hull thought they had grabbed the game’s opening try when Logan Moy crossed, only for the effort to be chalked off for obstruction in the build-up—a decision that would prove costly.
The contest swung dramatically nine minutes into the second half when Hull replacement prop Yusuf Aydin was sent off. A video referee review deemed his tackling technique on Caleb Aekins to be a dangerous tip tackle, leaving the visitors to play the final half-hour a man light and with a likely suspension looming. The dismissal cracked open a game that had been meandering toward a low-scoring arm-wrestle.
Bradford wasted little time exploiting the numerical advantage. A piercing break from Zac Fulton carved open the stretched Hull defense, and Waqa Blake marked his return from injury by finishing in the corner. The try, converted by Atkin, appeared to put the Bulls in control. However, Hull’s response was immediate and emphatic, as back-rower Joe Batchelor grounded a grubber kick and Hardaker added the extras to square the contest.
With tension mounting, Bradford found another gear. Ethan Ryan produced a moment of magic on the left flank, diving acrobatically to touch down despite the attentions of two defenders. Atkin’s touchline conversion was a dagger, restoring a six-point cushion and electrifying the home crowd. Yet the drama was far from over.
Deep into the final 10 minutes, Hull refused to buckle. Davy Litten soared high to pluck a cross-field kick and dot down in the corner, cutting the deficit to two points and setting the stage for Hardaker’s conversion. The veteran goal-kicker, who had been ice-cool from the tee in the first half, stepped up from a difficult angle but watched in horror as his strike rebounded off the near post.
For Bradford, the relief was palpable. Head coach Andy Last has endured heavy criticism during the losing streak, and this gritty performance—built on defensive resilience and moments of attacking quality—will buy him breathing room. The Bulls’ faithful, who had witnessed little joy in recent weeks, celebrated as if it were a cup final.
Hull will rue a missed opportunity. Despite playing a large chunk of the match with 12 men, they demonstrated admirable fight and were inches away from stealing a point. Hardaker’s miss will dominate the post-match narrative, but the Aydin dismissal—and the earlier disallowed try—highlight a discipline issue that coach Tony Smith must address.
The Super League season remains fiercely competitive, with mid-table teams separated by fine margins. This result could prove pivotal in the battle to avoid the lower reaches; Bradford’s ability to close out a tense affair will boost confidence, while Hull must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap. Based on reporting from Sky Sports.