Leigh Leopards Rout Bradford Bulls to Close in on Super League Play-Offs
Leigh Leopards moved to the brink of a Betfred Super League play-off place with a demolition of bottom-placed Bradford Bulls at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night.
Adam Cook was the story of the evening. The Leigh playmaker scored two tries, crafted another with a piece of individual brilliance, and kicked 11 from 11 conversions — a perfect night with the boot that meant every try was worth its full seven points. BBC Sport
The standout moment came when Cook showed exceptional footwork to kick the ball in behind the Bradford defence, took a second touch with the boot, and then dove over for his first try. It was the kind of instinctive, off-the-cuff play that turns a comfortable win into a memorable one.
Cook struck again shortly after Joe Ofahengaue had burrowed over on the inside of Owen Trout to take Leigh past 50 points. By then Bradford's defence was wilting, the tackle count mounting and the line breaking with regularity.
The second-half flurry was relentless. Umyla Hanley finished spectacularly in the corner after a cut-out pass from Lam — the playmaker who orchestrated much of Leigh's attacking fluency throughout. Senior then grabbed his second of the night, Leigh's fourth try in 16 minutes, combining with Lam to dot down in the corner. Lam himself added the 10th, latching on to good wing play from Senior to complete the rout.
For Bradford, there was little to cheer. Second-rower Eliot Peposhi scored a late consolation try with a minute remaining, but the Bulls — bottom of the table and struggling — were outclassed from the moment Leigh found their rhythm. The match was Round 24 of the 2026 Super League season, played in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Leigh Sports Village Stadium. Sky Sports
In rugby league, a try is worth four points and the conversion that follows adds two more. Cook's flawless kicking meant Leigh's 10 tries translated to a final scoreline that reflected their total dominance.
Referee Liam Rush had little reason to intervene in a match that, after a competitive opening, became increasingly one-sided.
Leigh head coach Adrian Lam, who had previewed the match on the club's website earlier in the week, saw his side deliver exactly the kind of professional performance needed at this stage of the season. The Leopards also handed a squad place to new signing Jack Ashworth, whose arrival was announced by the club on 18 August.
For Bradford, the defeat deepens a difficult season. The Bulls have been rooted to the foot of the table and were unable to match Leigh's pace, creativity or defensive resolve once the home side hit top gear.
Leigh travel to Huddersfield Giants next Friday, 28 August, in what could be the match that confirms their play-off berth. For Bradford, the remaining rounds are about pride and building towards a campaign that has slipped away from them.
