Nathan Atkinson

Bradford Bulls are preparing for late fitness tests before facing Leigh Leopards in the Betfred Super League. Captain Joe Mellor and Luke Hooley remain doubtful despite being named in the squad, while Waqa Blake, Connor Wynne and Ebon Scurr appear available. Ryan Sutton and Phoenix Steinwede will miss the match, with Harvey Ward, Alfie Leake and Leon Ruan added to the squad.

Snooker player Jack Lisowski, known as “The Jackpot,” will appear at an exhibition at the Saltaire Bar in Shipley on Friday, November 20. Organized by long-time snooker fan Keith Walker, the event will feature Lisowski playing 10 frames against local amateurs. Tickets cost £40, with doors opening at 6:45 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Lisowski is ranked world number 17, won the Northern Ireland Open last year, and reached the World Championship quarter-finals in 2022.

Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty provided an injury update ahead of Friday's Super League match against Leigh Leopards. Ryan Sutton has ligament damage to his thumb but could return against Toulouse, while Luke Hooley remains a 50/50 prospect after a knee twist. Waqa Blake is expected to play despite stiffness, and Joe Mellor is doubtful. Ebon Scurr appears recovered, but Phoenix Steinwede will miss out after a failed head-injury assessment. Connor Wynne has a wrist ligament injury, while Rowan Milnes and Brandon Douglas are not expected to return during 2026.

Bradford City Women began their return to the FA Women's National League Division One North with a 3–2 victory away to Chorley. New signing Ava Spencer-Smith scored twice on her competitive debut, while Summer Paley also found the net as Bradford established a 2–0 lead. Chorley rallied through Olivia Ellinson and a Bradford own goal to level the match, but Spencer-Smith struck again in the final 20 minutes to secure the win. Marcie Heckingbottom was named Bradford's player of the match.

A retrospective examines Bradford Park Avenue full back John Brodie, who was controversially sent off in a 2–1 defeat at Peterborough in 1967. Peterborough player-manager and former Newcastle player Jim Iley was prepared to defend Brodie, whom Bradford valued highly. Brodie later joined Port Vale, making 193 appearances and scoring three goals, all against Wrexham, but three separate breaks to the same leg eventually forced his retirement at age 30 in 1978.

Field Olympic defeated Keighley Town 3-1 in a Bradford derby during the FA Vase first qualifying round, with goals from Aidan Day, Ellis Wade and Junayd Cassius-Gill. Route One Rovers also progressed after drawing 3-3 with AFC Blackpool and winning the penalty shootout 6-5, while Campion advanced with a 3-0 victory. Thackley and Steeton were eliminated. In league action, Silsden beat Blyth Spartans 2-1, Liversedge moved top of the Northern Premier League East Division with a third straight win, and Guiseley surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Workington.

Keighley Cougars were fined £2,000 by the Rugby Football League after the referee deemed their pitch unplayable and the July 12 Championship match against Dewsbury Rams was postponed. Half of the fine is suspended until the end of the 2028 season, and Keighley must reimburse Dewsbury £575 in travel costs. The rearranged match was played at Keighley RUFC’s Utley ground on July 29, with Dewsbury winning 26–16.

Yorkshire lost their Metro Bank One-Day Cup quarter-final to Nottinghamshire by three wickets at York after failing to defend 273. Nottinghamshire collapsed to 1-3 and later 55-4, but Kyle Verreynne and Jack Haynes rebuilt the innings with a 154-run partnership. Haynes finished unbeaten on 116, while Ben Coad's five-wicket haul could not prevent Nottinghamshire from completing the chase. Nottinghamshire will play Leicestershire for a place in the final at Trent Bridge.

Bradford City re-signed Bradford-born midfielder Terry Dolan from Huddersfield for £10,000 after the club reduced its asking price in 1976. Dolan helped City win promotion in his first season, later became captain, made more than 200 appearances and scored 43 league goals. After moving into coaching and management, he led Bradford to fourth in the Second Division in 1988 and narrowly missed promotion to the top flight after losing to Middlesbrough in the play-offs.

The second episode of Bradford City: Bantams Bulletin discusses Sam Walker’s departure after two and a half seasons, the arrival of Cam Dawson and competition with Jon McCracken, and whether Bradford City will sign another goalkeeper. The podcast also reviews the Carabao Cup win over Rochdale and previews the League One opener against Peterborough, where manager Graham Alexander will seek a strong start.

Seventeen-year-old Skipton racer Jack Teal won the F2 Outlaws semi-final at Brampton on July 5, securing a front-row position for the Gold Top at Scunthorpe. Although he was later eliminated in a collision, Teal continues to attract attention after a breakthrough 2023 season in which he won the Under-25s championship, became the youngest driver to win a final, and earned novice and driver-of-the-year honors. He aims to win further F2 Outlaws championships before eventually pursuing an F1 world title, with support from fellow drivers, family friends and sponsors.

Bradford City goalkeeper Archie Jowett has been selected for England's Under-15s Emerging Talent Camp at St George's Park. He is reportedly the only participant from outside England's top two divisions, highlighting his potential. The camp also includes five Chelsea players and four from Arsenal, while former Bradford goalkeeper Darryl Ombang is cited as a previous participant who later moved to Leeds United.

Bradford City began the 1976-77 season with a challenging two-legged League Cup tie against Oldham Athletic, who were two divisions higher and had strengthened their squad with signings including Vic Hallom. Manager Bobby Kennedy viewed a strong first-leg result at Valley Parade as crucial. After a 1-1 draw on August 14, Bradford produced a 3-1 away victory at Boundary Park to win 4-2 on aggregate. The result helped establish the momentum for a superb season that ended with promotion.

Huddersfield Giants will move to Dewsbury Rams’ Flair Stadium for the 2027 season, subject to Rugby Football League approval, because their current ACCU Stadium is considered too large and unsuitable. The club plans to invest more than £10 million in upgrades, including a new stand increasing capacity to 8,000, while retaining its Huddersfield identity and pursuing a purpose-built stadium in the town for the long term. The move prompted a mixed reaction from supporters and mirrors Bradford Bulls’ temporary relocation to Dewsbury before their return to Odsal. On the field, Huddersfield beat Catalans Dragons 42-20 for their third consecutive victory.

The Bradford Telegraph and Argus has launched a weekly Bradford City podcast, Bantams Bulletin, hosted by chief sports writer Simon Parker and sports reporter Nathan Atkinson. The pilot discusses Reece Welch’s arrival, Nick Powell’s expected return and contract, Jake Beesley’s attacking role, midfield and captaincy options following Max Power’s absence, pre-season form and the opening Carabao Cup fixture against Rochdale.

Field Olympic moved to the top of Division One of the Northern Counties East League after beating Ilkley Town 3-0, with goals from Joe Colley, Aidan Day and Kieron Batey. Thackley earned a late 1-1 draw at Tadcaster Albion through Luke Brooks, while Keighley Town lost 1-0 to Retford United after a 10-0 midweek defeat. Route One Rovers also suffered their second league loss, Campion drew with Barton Town amid disciplinary concerns, and Steeton opened their North West Counties campaign with a 5-0 defeat at Daisy Hill.

Former Bradford Bulls prop Ben Evans has been appointed chief executive of North Wales Crusaders, who are rebuilding after severe financial difficulties, re-forming as a new entity and receiving a 12-point Championship deduction. Evans, a former Wales international with experience across several clubs, will work with the board, staff, players, supporters and community partners to create a sustainable platform and develop local talent. He said the appointment represented an opportunity to help establish a new era for Welsh rugby league.

Bradford Bulls have confirmed that Dan Russell, Chris Atkin, Guy Armitage, Sam Hallas, Joe Keyes and Mitch Souter will leave when their contracts expire at the end of the 2026 season. Ed Chamberlain has returned to Hull FC for injury rehabilitation, while Phoenix Steinwede could still receive a new contract. Head coach Kurt Haggerty said the departing players were informed early and have remained committed to the team during its first season back in Super League.

Bradford City Women have strengthened their squad ahead of their return to the FA Women’s National League Division One North by signing Ava Spencer-Smith from Leeds United and experienced midfielder Tara Duce. The team won promotion after claiming the North East Regional Women’s Football League Premier Division title and will begin the new campaign away at Chorley before hosting Stockport County. A league fixture against rivals Leeds United is scheduled for September 20.

Leeds Rhinos defeated Bradford Bulls 42-12 at Headingley, extending Bradford's losing run in the derby to three matches. Andy Ackers was Bradford's standout performer despite playing with an injured thumb, while Jake Connor's remarkable 40-20 proved the turning point. Bradford competed strongly in periods but conceded three tries in nine second-half minutes, with several defensive errors allowing Leeds to pull away. Injuries to Jayden Nikorima, Waqa Blake, Dan Russell and others may force further changes, including greater use of Riley Dean alongside Chris Atkin.

Leeds Rhinos defeated Bradford Bulls 42-12 at Headingley after Bradford led early and reduced the deficit to six points shortly after half-time. Leeds then regained control through tries from Tom Holroyd, Brodie Croft, Cooper Jenkins and Kallum Watkins, while Bradford’s mounting injuries and late errors contributed to 24 unanswered points. Maika Sivo and Jayden Nikorima were forced off injured, adding to Bradford’s difficult afternoon.

Community members in Bradford organised a fundraiser at the Vine Centre to support cancer patient Amanda Wilson, featuring a sponsored penalty shootout, tombola, and donated items. Local resident Amanda Appleyard expressed gratitude for the community's efforts, and the event raised funds to assist Wilson and her family.

Bradford Bulls’ 26-12 defeat to Wakefield Trinity is examined through individual performances, key moments and tactical disruptions caused by injuries. Ryan Sutton is highlighted for his significant contribution and a pivotal try-saving tackle, while a crucial defensive play by Josh Rourke prevented Bradford from levelling the score late in the match. Questionable refereeing and lengthy video reviews are criticised for disrupting the flow of the game. Injuries forced tactical reshuffling for Bradford, with several players taking on unexpected roles as Wakefield secured two late tries to seal victory.

Bradford Bulls head coach Kurt Haggerty reported that forward Eribe Doro remains doubtful for the upcoming match against Wakefield due to a calf issue, while Jayden Okunbor may return sooner than expected from a back injury. Several players, including Dan Russell, Zac Fulton and Loghan Lewis, have recently returned, and Will Gardiner is available for selection. Additional players such as Phoenix Steinwede and Jamie Gill may rejoin the squad in the coming weeks, and long-term absentees Rowan Milnes and Joe Keyes have begun running as part of their recovery progress.

Jer Lane slipped toward the relegation zone after losing a high‑scoring match to Cleckheaton, who secured a strong seven‑wicket chase. Bradford & Bingley also faltered in the title race despite a solid batting display, falling to Townville in a tight finish. Woodlands, New Farnley and Pudsey St Lawrence strengthened their positions with narrow wins, while Farsley suffered a heavy defeat. Across the lower divisions, key victories for Yeadon, Hanging Heaton, East Bierley, Keighley and others reshaped promotion and relegation battles with notable batting and bowling performances throughout.

Undercliffe Cricket Club’s strong performances in the 1960s and 1970s are highlighted through the contributions of several players with Derbyshire backgrounds. Jim Brailsford, despite limited first-class success, became a prolific opener for Undercliffe and played a key role in their successes, including league titles in 1970 and 1971. The article also notes the roles of fellow Derbyshire-associated players such as David Smith and Ashley Harvey-Walker, along with competitive matches against rivals Idle.

Bradford Bulls have pushed back kickoff times for upcoming home matches against Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors to avoid clashes with Bradford City’s Carabao Cup and League One fixtures. Both rugby league games will now start at 6:30pm following cooperation from the visiting clubs, Sky Sports and the RFL, allowing supporters the chance to attend both sets of matches.

Yorkshire Women secured their first Vitality Blast victories of the season with wins over Somerset and Warwickshire, driven by standout performances including a record-equalling 167-run fourth‑wicket partnership from Lauren Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis. Despite earlier defeats in both the Blast and the Metro Bank One Day Cup, key contributions from bowlers and batters have kept Yorkshire within reach of the knockout stages in the One Day Cup and lifted them off the bottom of the Blast table ahead of their upcoming match against Lancashire.

Yorkshire moved close to securing a place in the Vitality Blast quarter‑finals after beating Durham and Leicestershire in consecutive matches, driven by Adam Lyth’s unbeaten 131 and strong bowling performances from AJ Tye and Hasan Ali. Key contributions from Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Matt Revis helped edge a tight chase against Durham, while rapid wickets against Leicestershire turned a strong start into a collapse. Yorkshire can secure qualification depending on the outcome of Derbyshire’s match against Lancashire.

Leeds Rhinos overpowered an injury‑stricken Bradford Bulls side 50–16 at Magic Weekend, pulling away early with dominant attacking play and capitalizing on repeated Bradford errors. Ethan Ryan scored twice to reach 100 career tries for the Bulls, who briefly rallied in the second half before Leeds reasserted control through further scores from Ash Handley and Jake Connor. The defeat drops Bradford to second-bottom in the Super League standings.

Bradford Bulls formed a sponsorship partnership with Newmedica, an eye clinic based in Cleckheaton, which will serve as the club’s official eye health partner. Welfare staff now display the Newmedica brand on their matchday shirts, and first‑team players visited the clinic for advanced eye‑health scans. Club CEO Jason Hirst praised the partnership’s alignment with community and wellbeing values, while Newmedica leadership emphasised support for local organisations and healthcare access. The clinic provides a range of NHS and private ophthalmology treatments for Bradford and Huddersfield residents.

Terry McGill, a highly regarded figure in Bradford cricket, has died at age 86 after more than 50 years playing for several local clubs and inspiring many teammates. His family remembers him for his warmth, humour and dedication both to cricket and to those around him. After retiring, he travelled widely, enjoyed walking with friends, tended his garden and valued time with his children, grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Diagnosed with dementia in 2021, he faced the illness with courage while retaining his humour and storytelling spirit. His funeral will take place on July 10 at Holy Trinity Church in Low Moor.

Highfield Barbers in Five Lane Ends has been nominated for the Telegraph & Argus Best Barber Shop of the Year award after rapid growth since opening in 2025. Owner Waleed Iqbal attributes the shop’s success to strong customer relationships, attention to detail and an active TikTok presence. Voting continues ahead of the award announcement later in the month.

Ken Standring’s move from Lancashire to Bingley in the 1960s led to a standout period in Bradford League cricket, highlighted by major all-rounder awards, prolific run-scoring, and key wicket-taking seasons. His performances contributed to Bingley’s promotions, a Priestley Cup victory, and a league and cup double in 1969. Standring remained a respected figure throughout his life, with tributes following his death at age 89 in 2024.

Bolton Villas 1924 chose not to appeal a County Court decision that dismissed their claim to use the All Alone Road cricket ground. The judge struck out their claim and request for injunctive relief, ordering them to cover the defendant’s costs. With the appeal deadline expired, the club will continue playing home matches at Jer Lane Cricket Club or Woodhouse Grove School.

Geoff Cooke’s progression from Bradford RFC captain to England manager is traced through his leadership roles at club, county, and national levels. His tenure included consecutive Five Nations Grand Slams, a World Cup final appearance, and managing the British & Irish Lions. After leaving full‑time rugby, he returned to Bradford & Bingley, guiding the club to promotions and a cup victory, and he remains an active supporter at age 85.

Fans showed strong support for outgoing Keighley Cougars owners Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia during a home defeat to Swinton Lions, praising their community and LGBTQ+ initiatives despite past criticism. The pair’s decision to step down has been linked to stress and personal abuse. Keighley lost 40–18 with several key players injured, while a display and fan-organised tributes aimed to persuade the owners to reconsider their departure.

Eribe Doro has secured a starting role for the Bradford Bulls after discussions with coach Kurt Haggerty and improvements in his performance. His versatility is crucial as the team faces multiple injuries following a heavy defeat to St Helens. Ahead of a challenging Magic Weekend match against Leeds, Doro stresses the need to learn from recent mistakes and push for better results despite diminishing playoff prospects.