2021 Bradford Bulls season

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Bradford Bulls 2021 season

Bradford Bulls finished 5th in the Championship in 2021, reaching the Elimination Playoff but not advancing. They played at Odsal Stadium, with Mark Sawyer as chairman and John Kear as head coach. Steve Crossley was captain. The team won 12 games, lost 9, and had no draws. They scored 514 points and conceded 501. The top try-scorer was Joe Brown with 10 tries, while Danny Brough kicked 48 goals and totalled 109 points.

Season overview
- The club re-signed John Kear on a two-year deal and brought in Danny Brough from Wakefield to team up with him.
- Several players extended contracts or joined on short-term deals, including Aaron Murphy, Rhys Evans, Brad England, Reece Hamlett, and Elliot Wallis on loan, among others.
- Bradford aimed to return to the Super League after Toronto Wolfpack’s expulsion, but Leigh Centurions were chosen for the 12th spot in 2021.
- The Bulls returned to Odsal Stadium and continued to use loan signings to strengthen the squad during the season.
- In the Challenge Cup, Bradford were knocked out in the first round by Featherstone Rovers, 41-16.
- In the league, Bradford started with a heavy defeat to Sheffield but then found form, including a late-winning game against Halifax and a run of strong results. A season-long injury to Brough led to loan arrivals such as Joe Keyes to help cover him.
- The team had a notable seven-win streak at one point but also suffered setbacks, including a 44-0 defeat to Featherstone and a string of mixed results toward the end of the season.
- Bradford finished 5th and were eliminated in the Elimination Playoff.

Overall, 2021 was a year of rebuilding and solid performance for Bradford, with a strong mid-season run, challenges from injuries, and a continued focus on developing players through loans and academy opportunities.