Those who feared the inaugural Qualifiers would be a Super League-dominated washout probably have a lot to thank Bradford Bulls for.
Championship sides have tried and failed to beat Super League opposition on seven occasions so far in this mini-league to determine the remaining spots in the top flight in 2016 – but Bradford made it eighth time lucky with the most significant result of the weekend in the Super 8s.
After a heavy loss to Wakefield left many fearing Bradford’s chances of promotion back to the top tier at the first attempt had gone, they emphatically reminded everyone that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and in the process gave the Super 8s a huge boost by showing the second tier can compete with its wealthier counterpart.
It will be a particularly sour defeat for Salford – unbeaten in the Qualifiers before this – given how the win was spearheaded by Bradford’s former Red Devil Jake Mullaney. Released by Salford midway through last year and picked up by the Bulls for 2015, the Australian showed his former employers what they let go by tormenting them all afternoon with two tries and a well-taken drop goal.
“We can’t dwell on this moving forward, but we obviously played really well,” said Bradford’s coach, James Lowes. “It’s all about winning and I truly believe in this bunch of players, and when they play as you’ve seen today we’re a force.”
As for Salford acting head coach, Ian Watson, did not mince his words after a performance in which they were second best in every aspect of the game.
“It’s completely embarrassing really, for everyone associated with the club,” he said. “It’s an embarrassment for all of us because we expected better. They get a couple of wins and then fall in love with themselves and forget what’s got them there – hard work. Coming away to Bradford is always a tough challenge – and we didn’t respond to it.”
Bradford stormed into a 10-0 lead they would never surrender after tries from Dale Ferguson and another former Salford man in Danny Williams, before Mullaney made his first telling contribution by rac home from 50 metres to extend the advantage. He slotted over a drop goal on the hooter shortly after Rangi Chase had reduced the deficit, then ghosted in three minutes into the second half to put the Bulls in complete control. Salford had no answer to their attacking guile – this without key half-back Lee Gaskell too – and after Mullaney was withdrawn as a precaution due to injury, further tries from the impressive Danny Addy, James Clare and Adrian Purtell put the Bulls out of sight.
Salford had the final say in matters when Iain Thornley registered a consolation but by then, Bradford’s job was done. Their promotion bid is back on track – and in some style.
Bradford Clare; Caro, Nielsen, Purtell, Williams; Addy, Mullaney; Clough, O’Brien, Sidlow, Ferguson, Olbison, Pitts. Interchange Blythe, Mellor, Lauaki, Crossley.
Tries Ferguson, Williams, Mullaney 2, Addy, Clare, Purtell. Goals Addy 6 Drop goal Mullaney
Salford Evalds; Jones-Bishop, Sa’u, Thornley, Johnson; Chase, Dobson; Taylor, Tomkins, Tasi, Griffin, Hauraki, Morley. Interchange Lee, Forster, Paterson, Krasniqi
Tries Chase, Thornley Goal Dobson
Referee R Hicks Attendance 6,593
