Rugby League on West Yorkshire Radio

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20 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes20

Newest first

Monday · 4 min
73: Kyle Eastmond Confident Of Positive Panthers Future
Kyle Eastmond’s key message to his Halifax Panthers team was that they did not begin the match as themselves and paid the price for failing to perform from the start in the 48-16 defeat to the Sheffield Eagles. Kyle stressed that his Halifax side can compete because they have quality, but that quality must be shown from the opening whistle, not only after halftime or once the game has already drifted away. Looking ahead to 2027 he expressed confidence that Panthers will still be here next year and stronger for the experiences of 2026. Eastmond emphasising that the club must continue to depend on collective effort rather than individual stars, particularly due to tighter financial controls of the salary cap in the Championship and a smaller squad than in previous seasons.
Monday · 4 min
72: Tom Doyle Happy With Bradford Bulls Return
Tom Doyle returned to the Bradford Bulls last week and explains that after returning from his long-term injury, any game time is valuable for him right now. With his focus being on building minutes at the highest competitive level with the Bulls and continuing to work hard. Despite the defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers, Doyle highlighted the value of seeing homegrown players play for the Bradford club, especially Alfie Leake's debut. Saying a Super League debut is always a special moment and he hopes Leake will build on it ahead of the visit of Warrington Wolves to Odsal on Saturday. He also revealed the news regarding his contract situation or any potential destination beyond the 2026 season.
Sunday · 10 min
71: Craig Lingard Delighted with Sheffield Eagles Progress
Craig Lingard called Sheffield’s 48-16 victory over Halifax pleasing, highlighting that the team is beginning to make genuine progress after securing their sixth successive win. He highlighted the improved connectivity in attack, especially between Jordan Abdul, Kai Morgan, and Greg Eden at fullback, which is helping the team threaten more effectively in good-ball areas and get points on the scoreboard. Craig Lingard has also joined Widnes Vikings head coach Allan Coleman in criticising the scheduling around the 1895 Cup final, saying the situation was needlessly created through poor planning by the RFL. Lingard saying it is unreasonable to schedule the 1895 Cup Final, the day after the last league game when the RFL would have known that several teams would have been affected. He said the club will play on the date set by the RFL with Widnes submitting an appeal which won’t be heard for two weeks. He has sympathy for the Widnes Vikings players, saying it is not ideal for part-time players to be asked to play three games in seven days.
July 31 · 6 min
70: Kurt Haggerty Proud Of His Side’s Efforts In Rovers Defeat
Kurt Haggerty says he was proud of his Bradford Bulls side’s effort and steel shown in the defeat to Hull Kingston Rovers this evening. Especially, when Bradford were forced to finish the game with only 13 fit players, after losing four more players to injuries. Kurt confirmed that there's fresh injury concerns for a quartet of players for the visit of the Warrington Wolves next Saturday evening. With Ryan Sutton (calf), Connor Wynne (shoulder), Guy Armitage (leg) and Loghan Lewis (knock) all potentially not being available for the game against the Wolves at Odsal. Haggerty praised Alfie Leake’s debut, noting that the player’s first spell ended with him looking exhausted, but his overall contribution was still a major source of pride for the young homegrown player and club. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 👉
July 31 · 8 min
69: Kurt Haggerty Takes Great Pride In Alfie Leake Debut
Kurt Haggerty says that seeing Jamie Gill make his Super League debut earlier this season, and now Alfie Leake, who is set to follow suit against Hull Kingston Rovers this evening, is a real source of pride for the Bradford Bulls. Kurt says that these are significant moments for the club’s Elite Academy and Scholarship pathway. The goal for Alfie is for him to go out, do his best, and learn from the experience, even if mistakes happen. With Kurt saying that the presence of senior players such as Ryan Sutton and Chris Atkin will provide emotional and practical protection during this his outing as a Super League player.
July 28 · 9 min
68: Ethan Ryan Reaches Career Milestone
Ethan Ryan reflects on reaching his 200th career appearance, saying it is a personal milestone he is proud of, but the occasion was overshadowed by disappointment with the Bradford Bulls going down to the Leeds Rhinos on Sunday. Ethan says the first 25 minutes were a positive, during which the Bulls controlled the game well and led on the scoreboard. Before the all too familiar turning point of self-inflicted errors, poor discipline, and weak execution, which allowed the Rhinos back into the contest. On the team’s inexperience, he explained that many players are still adjusting to the demands of Super League. He compares it to his own early career, noting that every player needs time to adapt to the level. He also said the squad’s current injury situation with 15 first team players missing can be both a challenge and a development opportunity; younger or squad players are getting chances to step in, learn quickly, and gain experience under pressure.
July 26 · 9 min
67: Kurt Haggerty Upbeat Despite Derby Defeat and Injury Concerns
Kurt Haggerty says that his Bradford Bulls side must learn quickly that giving away too many cheap turnovers through individual mistakes and small lapses in concentration will be punished with points on the scoreboard against them. Despite the 42-12 result, he still believes the team’s identity remains built on bravery, resilience, effort, and accountability. Kurt confirmed that he now has only 15 fit players available after losing Jayden Nikorima (shoulder), Jack Ormandroyd (ankle) and Phoenix Steinwede (hamstring) to injury against the Leeds Rhinos. Haggerty conceding he may have no real choice but to bring in loan players (if the injury verdict this week is as bad as it sounds), leaving the Bulls without the capability to field a 17 against Hull Kingston Rovers, who they face on Friday night.
July 24 · 6 min
66: Kurt Haggerty Leeds Rhinos Focus
Alfie Leake will become the 174th homegrown player to make his Super League debut of the summer era, that has come through the Bradford Bulls academy system if he makes his Super League debut against the Leeds Rhinos on Sunday. Kurt Haggerty says that his version of the Bradford Bulls prefers to develop homegrown youth and rely on internal choices rather than depend heavily on the loan market, as the club has done previously. Kurt compares this approach to the club’s strong identity and long-term development of its homegrown players, believing that exposure at Super League level will help them develop and prepare for more games next season.
July 17 · 15 min
65: Kurt Haggerty Left Frustrated By Wakefield Defeat
Kurt Haggerty says his dressing room was left devastated and himself frustrated with a number of decisive moments in Bradford Bulls' narrow 26-12 defeat to Wakefield Trinity. He said there were several 50/50 decisions that, when he asked officials for clarification through his staff during the match, he could not get a clear explanation because the officials themselves were unsure. Kurt also confirmed a significant injury list following the game with Eribe Doro ruled out for the season with a calf injury and fresh injuries to Dan Russell (eye), Andy Ackers (hand), Loghan Lewis (back issue) and Waqa Blake (adductor) all doubtful for the trip to Leeds next weekend. Whilst it is frustrating for supporters to experience those disputed decisions go against the club and mounting fresh injury concerns. Kurt believes that setbacks like tonight are used to strengthen resilience and prepare the club for future growth in the Super League in the years to come.
July 11 · 7 min
64: Kurt Haggerty On Significant Giants Win
Kurt Haggerty says that the Bradford Bulls’ 30-14 victory over the Huddersfield Giants was a significant win for the club after a very tough week, with Kurt describing it as one of the hardest periods he has faced in his role. Kurt said it was important for his side to respond to the Leeds defeat with improved effort and standards, and whilst admitting the performance was not perfect, it showed the group was moving in the right direction. The win last night was described by Haggerty as a “monkey off the back” because it was the team’s first away win in Super League, which had been a major source of frustration for the club. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 👉
July 5 · 6 min
63: Kurt Haggerty Post-Match Magic Weekend
Kurt Haggerty says there was a tough team talk behind closed doors at halftime and that difficult conversations were needed after the Bradford Bulls suffered a 50-16 Magic Weekend defeat to the Leeds Rhinos in Liverpool. Kurt felt that the players responded well in the second half, showing resilience, toughness, and some class, which reflected the group’s character. Bradford had 14 first-team players unavailable for the game through injury with Haggerty reminding his players that there would be no excuses for the situation, and that performance standards must remain high and competitive.
July 1 · 11 min
62: Ryan Sutton On The Bradford Bulls Long-Term Rise
Ryan Sutton has committed to a new two-year deal with Bradford Bulls saying his decision was driven by a clear sense of purpose; he aims to be part of the club’s long-term rise, help build a winning culture, and leave a legacy. He confirms that there were numerous Super League clubs competing for his signature with Ryan believing the club is moving in the right direction, and that the environment, coaching staff, and players make it a place worth committing to for the next two seasons. He says the club’s recruitment for the 2027 season is already generating optimism amongst the playing group, and that upcoming developments, including Las Vegas next year, will help attract even more talent to Odsal. As the Bradford Bulls prepare to face the Leeds Rhinos at the Magic Weekend, Sutton urges supporters to continue backing the team, praising the atmosphere they create and saying the players are giving their all for the fans, even if results aren’t perfect every week.
June 30 · 4 min
61: Brad Arthur Ready For Bradford Bulls Magic Weekend Battle
Brad Arthur states that his Leeds Rhinos team will face a tough opponent in the Bradford Bulls at the Magic Weekend because of their unpredictability and “nothing to lose” mentality, which the Rhinos experienced at Odsal on Good Friday. Brad says that the Leeds squad is currently in a good health position, with no major changes expected for the derby game against Bradford. Whilst Arthur feels that his side are learning how to win in multiple game situations after big wins over Warrington and Hull KR, which is a sign of maturity rather than just talent. Brad Arthur also addressed the intriguing question of how he believes this Leeds side would perform in the NRL.
June 29 · 7 min
60: Kurt Haggerty Will Gardiner Injury Update and Magic Weekend Focus
Kurt Haggerty has issued an update confirming that Will Gardiner is now at home and stable, recovering with his family. Kurt praised the quick response of both the Bradford and St Helens players and medical staff, calling the handling of the situation first-class. Both Kurt Haggerty and Paul Rowley asked for the game to be abandoned with 90 seconds left on the clock due to the emotionally difficult nature of the injury but the RFL refused this request. Hence the players finishing the game uncontested as they wanted to manage the final moments safely. Looking ahead to the Magic Weekend game against the Leeds Rhinos, Kurt has reported fresh injury adversity with Phoenix Steinwede (Abductor) and Dan Russell (Ribs) set to miss out taking Bradford’s injury tally list back up to 14 players. After a strong performance in the reserves' victory against Hull KR, Kurt confirms that Leon Ruan and Jack Ormondroyd have put themselves in contention for first-team selection this week. The Bradford Bulls have sold nearly 4,000 tickets for the Magic Weekend with Kurt wanting to reward that support with a committed performance against the Leeds Rhinos.
June 26 · 7 min
59: Kurt Haggerty Pre-Match St Helens Thoughts
Kurt Haggerty says that he has reinforced accountability and cohesion with his Bradford Bulls squad as they prepare to face St Helens at Odsal Stadium tomorrow evening. His message to his players is to keep climbing “the mountain” by maintaining elite standards on and off the field and to learn from the past two defeats to Leigh and Catalans. On the controversial decision to incorrectly disallow Ethan Ryan’s try against the Catalans Dragons, Kurt Haggerty emphasised that if Rugby League aspires to be elite, it must operate as an elite organisation. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 👉
June 23 · 4 min
58: Connor Wynne Says He’s Still Learning And Improving
Connor Wynne feels he's still learning and improving during his firs season with the Bradford Bulls in the Super League. Connor produced a strong two-try performance against the Catalans Dragons in a game that the Bulls narrowly lost 34-24. The former Featherstone Rovers winger acknowledges letting the his teammates down in previous games, but says he is determined to build on a strong showing in France and keep improving.
June 22 · 4 min
57: Will Gardiner Shares Bradford Bulls Disappointment
Will Gardiner says that the Bradford Bulls players are disappointed and frustrated with their performance against the Catalans Dragons because they believed they could and should have won the match. He feels that whilst there was some creativity and good attacking play, those positives were outweighed by the reoccurring theme of costly mistakes. With the priority now to reduce self-inflicted pressure ahead of the visit of St Helens to Odsal Stadium on Saturday evening.
June 20 · 10 min
56: Kurt Haggerty Post Match Catalans Dragons Press-Conference
Kurt Haggerty says that his biggest frustration in the Bradford Bulls 34-24 narrow defeat to the Catalans Dragons was the repeated self-inflicted errors, especially in contact moments, offloads, and try-return sets. Kurt reinforcing that the focus now is for his side to show better concentration and cleaner execution. The game involved three controversial decisions that went against the Bulls, with Kurt not citing the controversial calls as excuses but rather expressing his frustration over a match decided by fine margins in the South of France. Kurt confirmed that Sam Hallas (shoulder surgery) and Zac Fulton (bulging disc) are potentially out for the remainder of the season.
June 19 · 8 min
55: Bradford Backed To Show Bravery And Belief In Catalans Showdown
Kurt Haggerty says that the Bradford Bulls game against the Catalans Dragons is a really important game for his team to show solidarity and unity. Kurt says his team will play with belief, bravery, and energy in the Perpignan heat as Bradford look to reward their huge travelling support at the Stade Gilbert Brutus with the club’s first away win on the road.
June 19 · 6 min
54: Dan Russell Back To His Bradford Bulls Best
PNG International star Dan Russell says he feels he is back to his best in 2026 after an earlier injury setback at the start of the season. He praises Kurt Haggerty and the culture he is building at the Bradford Bulls. Saying Kurt has brought in players who buy into a clear identity and that the team maintains a single, consistent style of play. Russell confirms that representing Papua New Guinea at the end-of-season World Cup in Australia remains a major goal for him. He says his approach is to keep performing well at club level and let his Rugby League football do the talking with a big performance in the south of France against the Catalans Dragons on Saturday evening. 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 👉