2021 Bradford Bulls season

The preparation for the 2021 season started with the re-signing of experienced coach John Kear on a two-year extension which would keep him at the Bradford Bulls until the end of the 2022 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/bradford-bulls-secure-john-kear-new-deal-2872995|title=Bradford Bulls secure John Kear on new deal |work=Yorkshire Post |date=3 June 2020 |accessdate=24 November 2020}} Following this news, the Bulls announced that Super League veteran halfback Danny Brough would join the club on a 2-year deal from Wakefield Trinity linking up with John Kear for a third time.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18534785.bulls-sign-experienced-half-back-brough-two-year-deal/|title=Bulls to sign experienced half back Brough on two-year deal |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=23 June 2020 |accessdate=24 November 2020}}

Vice captain Sam Hallas and homegrown fullback Brandon Pickersgill both signed one year deals to stay at the club for the 2021 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18573893.vice-captain-hallas-agrees-one-year-deal-bradford-bulls/|title=Vice-captain Hallas agrees one-year deal with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=10 July 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18604283.full-back-pickersgill-signs-new-deal-bradford-bulls/|title=Full back Pickersgill signs new deal with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=24 July 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Winger Joe Brown also signed an extension to stay with the Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18619346.versatile-brown-signs-new-one-year-deal-bradford-bulls/|title=Versatile Brown signs new one-year deal with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=31 July 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}

Due to the reserves being suspended until 2022 young halfback Cobi Green signed for Swinton Lions.{{cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/swinton-sign-cobi-green-as-richard-lepori-extends-his-stay/|title=Swinton Sign Cobi Green |work=Love Rugby League |date=3 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Soon after Green's departure the Bulls announced the re-signing of second-row forwards Brad Gallagher and Ebon Scurr, Gallagher signed a two-year extension whilst Scurr signed for one year.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18634934.bradford-bulls-second-row-signs-deal-end-2022/|title=Bradford Bulls sign second row forward until the end of 2022 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=7 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18645397.prop-scurr-signs-new-one-year-deal-stay-bradford-bulls/|title=Prop Scurr signs new one-year deal to stay at Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=14 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} French prop forward Levy Nzoungou also signed a one-year extension to his contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18659715.nzoungou-signs-new-deal-bradford-bulls-next-season/|title=Nzoungou signs new deal with Bradford Bulls for next season |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=18 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Young hooker Thomas Doyle was the next player to sign an extension with the Bulls, signing on for another season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18663414.another-bulls-deal-done-hooker-doyle-signs-2021/|title=Another Bulls deal done as hooker Doyle signs for 2021 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=20 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Luke Littlewood was the next player to leave the club due to no reserve grade for 2021, the young halfback signed for RFL League 1 side Rochdale Hornets, coached by former Bull Matt Calland.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18674354.bradford-bulls-youngster-littlewood-joins-rochdale-hornets/|title=Bradford Bulls youngster Littlewood joins Rochdale Hornets |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=25 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Bradford announced their second signing for the new season in the form of Huddersfield Giants second rower Aaron Murphy who signed a two-year deal with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18682201.bradford-bulls-sign-huddersfields-murphy-two-year-deal/|title=Bradford Bulls sign Huddersfield's Murphy on two-year deal |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=28 August 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}

The month started with the news that winger Matty Dawson-Jones had taken up the option in his contract to stay an extra year at the Bulls after finishing last year's cancelled season as Bradford's top try scorer.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18688608.dawson-jones-takes-easy-decision-stay-bulls-2021/|title=Dawson-Jones takes "easy" decision to stay at Bulls in 2021 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=1 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} However last season's top point scorer Rowan Milnes was called back to his parent club Hull Kingston Rovers thus terminating his loan with the Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18698412.rowan-milnes-back-hull-kr-bradford-bulls-loan/|title=Rowan Milnes back at Hull KR after Bradford Bulls loan |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=4 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Winger David Foggin-Johnston signed an extension to his contract to keep him at the Bulls until the end of 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18699710.winger-foggin-johnston-signs-new-deal-bradford-bulls/|title=Winger Foggin-Johnston signs new deal with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=5 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Second row forward Connor Farrell announced his retirement from the sport due to ongoing injuries. Following this news the Bulls signed Doncaster R.L.F.C. second rower Brad England on a one-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18707146.doncaster-second-rower-brad-england-joins-bulls-2021/|title=Doncaster second-rower Brad England joins Bulls for 2021 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=9 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Pack members Anthony England and George Flanagan both signed extensions with the club, prop forward England signed a two-year deal whilst hooker Flanagan signed a one-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18716244.prop-england-signs-new-deal-stay-bradford-bulls/|title=Prop England signs new deal to stay with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=12 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18723891.hooker-flanagan-remains-bulls-influence-off-pitch/|title=Hooker Flanagan remains Bulls influence on and off pitch |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=16 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Second rower Adam Rooks who was at the club on loan last season from Hull KR put pen to paper on a one-year permanent deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18750416.rooks-signs-one-year-deal-bulls/|title=Rooks signs one-year deal with Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=26 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Former Bulls centre Rhys Evans signed a two-year deal with the club following a short stint at Leeds Rhinos.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18758283.evans-seals-two-year-deal-bulls-loan-spell/|title=Evans seals two-year deal with Bulls after loan spell |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=30 September 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}

===October 2020===

There was positive news to start the month as the Bulls announced that they had retained reserve grade players Matthew Race, Cameron Berry and Bradley Ho for the 2021 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18782890.bradford-confirm-race-first-reserve-grade-player-staying/|title=Bradford confirm Race is first Reserve Grade player staying |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=9 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18793961.bradford-bulls-teenage-hooker-berry-signs-2021/|title=Bradford Bulls teenage hooker Berry signs up for 2021 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=14 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18800638.bradford-bulls-retain-front-row-prospect-reserves/|title=Bradford Bulls retain front-row prospect for reserves |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=16 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} The fourth reserve grade player to sign up for the new season was centre/second row Sam Smith.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18812043.bradford-bulls-retain-prospect-sam-smith/|title=Bradford Bulls retain prospect Sam Smith |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=21 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} It was announced that homegrown prop forward Liam Kirk had signed for fellow Championship side Oldham R.L.F.C. ending his 5-year stint at the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18828328.oldham-bring-bradford-bulls-forward-kirk/|title=Oldham bring in Bradford Bulls forward Kirk |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=28 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Another young reserve grade player in winger Murphy Smith signed up to the 2021 squad by signing a one-year deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18832932.bradford-bulls-retain-young-winger-2021/|title=Bradford Bulls retain young winger for 2021 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=30 October 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}

The Bulls revealed that the new kit supplier for the next two years would be Steeden after spending the last two seasons with Kappa.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18840115.bradford-bulls-announce-two-year-kit-deal-steeden/|title=Bradford Bulls announce two-year kit deal with Steeden |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=2 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} The sixth new signing for the upcoming season was the former England Youth international wing/centre Reece Hamlett who signed a one-year deal with the club from Super League side Warrington Wolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18845098.bradford-bulls-bring-teenage-warrington-star/|title=Bradford Bulls bring in teenage Warrington star |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=4 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Another young reserve grade player in Billy Jowitt was retained by the club for the 2021 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18854382.former-leeds-rhinos-prospect-stays-bradford-bulls/|title=Former Leeds Rhinos prospect stays on with Bradford Bulls |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=7 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Following the decision to expel Toronto Wolfpack from the Super League the Bulls announced that they would be applying for the 12th place in the 2021 Super League season along with the likes of Leigh Centurions, Featherstone Rovers, Toulouse Olympique and York City Knights.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18855010.bradford-throw-hat-super-league-ring-next-year/|title=Bradford throw hat into Super League ring for next year |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=7 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Chairman Mark Sawyer stated that a return to Odsal Stadium would be a key factor in applying for the Super League.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18857825.bulls-priority-odsal-return-bid-super-league/|title=Bulls priority is Odsal return as they bid for Super League |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=9 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Highly rated young Hull Kingston Rovers winger Elliot Wallis signed for Bradford on a year long loan deal in order to gain some first team experience.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/786/winger-wallis-jets-in-for-2021|title=WINGER WALLIS JETS IN FOR 2021 |work=Bradford Bulls |date=11 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}} Former prop forward Dan Fleming who was at the club in 2015 and 2016 signed a one-year deal after a short stint at Castleford Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/794/fleming-pens-bulls-return|title=FLEMING PENS BULLS RETURN |work=Bradford Bulls |date=25 November 2020 |accessdate=25 November 2020}}

Young homegrown second rower Evan Hodgson signed for RFL League 1 side Newcastle Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18913895.evan-hodgson-leaves-bradford-bulls-newcastle-thunder/|title=Evan Hodgson leaves Bradford Bulls for Newcastle Thunder |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=2 December 2020 |accessdate=2 December 2020}} The Bulls application to Super League XXVI was not a success as Leigh Centurions were selected to be the 12th side for the 2021 Super League season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18942722.bradford-miss-super-league-spot-leigh-get-nod/|title=Bradford miss out on Super League spot as Leigh get the nod |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=14 December 2020 |accessdate=22 December 2020}} Bradford also released their away kit which consists on Black and Red vertical stripes.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18955174.bradford-release-away-kit-2021-championship-season/|title=Bradford release away kit for 2021 Championship season |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=18 December 2020 |accessdate=22 December 2020}}

There was no news in January.

The Bulls announced that they would play local League 1 side Keighley Cougars in a friendly in order to prepare for the 2021 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19080612.bradford-keighley-play-friendly-challenge-cup/|title=Bradford and Keighley to play friendly before Challenge Cup |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=10 February 2021 |accessdate=13 February 2021}} Following this, the first round of the 2021 Challenge Cup was drawn with the Bulls travelling to Featherstone Rovers, the winners of the tie would then face either Halifax Panthers or Batley Bulldogs in the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19084324.away-trip-fev-bradford-bulls-challenge-cup/|title=Away trip to Fev for Bradford Bulls in Challenge Cup |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=11 February 2021 |accessdate=13 February 2021}} Bradford announced their 2021 squad numbers with veteran new signing Danny Brough taking the number 6 shirt with Aaron Murphy wearing the number 12.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/860/bulls-reveal-2021-squad-numbers|title=BULLS REVEAL 2021 SQUAD NUMBERS |work=Bradford Bulls |date=12 February 2021 |accessdate=13 February 2021}} The Bulls revealed they would play one more friendly against Swinton Lions before the season begun.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19122031.bradford-host-swinton-friendly-next-weekend/|title=Bradford to host Swinton in friendly next weekend |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=26 February 2021 |accessdate=1 March 2021}}

Bradford's 2021 campaign started with a 22–26 loss in the first pre-season friendly against Swinton Lions, first half tries from Brandon Pickersgill and Ross Oakes with two conversions from Danny Brough gave the Bulls a 12–6 lead at half time however further tries from George Flanagan and Matty Dawson-Jones could not prevent a loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19141895.bradford-bulls-lose-first-pre-season-friendly-swinton/|title=Bradford Bulls lose first pre-season friendly to Swinton |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=6 March 2021 |accessdate=7 March 2021}} The Bulls announced the signing of 22-year-old wing/centre Jack Sanderson from Castleford Tigers on a one-year deal, Sanderson will wear the squad number 25 for the upcoming season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19152452.bradford-bring-exciting-castleford-talent/|title=Bradford bring in exciting former Castleford talent |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=11 March 2021 |accessdate=14 March 2021}} Bradford finished their pre-season off with an unconvincing 22–18 win over local rivals Keighley Cougars, tries came from Thomas Doyle, Danny Brough, Ross Oakes and Anthony Walker.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19159133.bradford-stumble-victory-keighley-friendly/|title=Bradford stumble to victory over Keighley in friendly |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=14 March 2021 |accessdate=14 March 2021}} Trialist Anthony Walker earned himself a permanent contract with the Bulls after impressing during the pre-season.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19172736.bradford-bring-former-super-league-star-permanent-deal/|title=Bradford bring former Super League star in on permanent deal |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=19 March 2021 |accessdate=24 March 2021}} Bradford's first competitive match in 373 days ended in a 41–16 defeat to Featherstone Rovers in the first round in the 2021 Challenge Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19176810.report-bulls-suffer-challenge-cup-exit-playing-return/|title=REPORT: Bulls suffer Challenge Cup exit on playing return |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=22 March 2021 |accessdate=24 March 2021}} Following this defeat it was announced that the Bulls had signed former loanee Ben Evans from Toulouse Olympique in order to bolster the options in the front row.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19180619.bradford-bring-welsh-international-evans-twin/|title=Bradford bring in Welsh international and Evans twin |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=24 March 2021 |accessdate=3 April 2021}}

Prop forward Anthony England announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 34 due to ongoing injuries.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19203923.bradford-forward-retires-due-injury-long-career/|title=Bradford forward retires due to injury after long career |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=1 April 2021 |accessdate=3 April 2021}} The opening game of the Championship season saw the Bulls on the end of a 50–12 defeat to the Sheffield Eagles.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19209767.bradford-crushed-sheffield-championship-opener/|title=SHEFFIELD 50 BULLS 12 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=5 April 2021 |accessdate=23 April 2021}} Super League side Hull Kingston Rovers announced that Elliot Wallis would be returning to the club after a short loan spell with the Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/932/wallis-returns-to-rovers|title=WALLIS RETURNS TO ROVERS |work=Bradford Bulls |date=15 April 2021 |accessdate=23 April 2021}} Bradford won their first game of the season in a hard-fought 27–26 victory over local rivals Halifax Panthers, halfback Jordan Lilley kicked a late drop goal to ensure the win for the Bulls.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19241836.report-battling-bulls-show-real-fight-edge-past-halifax/|title=BULLS 27 HALIFAX 26 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=19 April 2021 |accessdate=23 April 2021}} Young prop forward Bradley Ho was granted a season long loan move to RFL League 1 side Coventry Bears.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19246793.bradford-bulls-loan-youngster-league-1-side-coventry/|title=Bradford Bulls loan youngster to League 1 side Coventry |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=21 April 2021 |accessdate=23 April 2021}} The Bulls made it back to back wins with a comprehensive 35–14 win over ground sharing side Dewsbury Rams, halfback Brough made his 500th career appearance and marked the occasion with a try and a drop goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19259659.bulls-brilliant-defence-beat-rivals-dewsbury-rams/|title=Bradford brilliant in defence to beat rivals Dewsbury Rams |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=26 April 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}}

Bradford kept their winning streak going with a difficult trip to Whitehaven R.L.F.C. as they came out 30–22 winners. Captain Steve Crossley led the way with two tries whilst Joe Brown, Brandon Pickersgill and Ebon Scurr all scoring as well.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19274603.match-report-white-bulls-make-three-wins-trot/|title=MATCH REPORT: All White for Bulls to make it three wins on trot |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=2 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} The Bulls made it four wins in five with a tense 23–22 win over Swinton Lions. Danny Brough, Thomas Doyle, David Foggin-Johnston and Pickersgill all scored tries whilst Jordan Lilley secured the game winning drop goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19290052.bradford-edge-swinton-tense-championship-battle/|title=Bradford edge out Swinton in tense Championship battle |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=10 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} The scheduled game against Newcastle Thunder was rearranged to ensure that fans could attend as the government prepared to ease lockdown rules.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19292683.bradford-change-newcastle-date-due-sky-monday-trouble/|title=Bradford change Newcastle date due to Sky and Monday trouble |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=11 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} The Bulls announced the permanent signing of former player Elliot Kear from Super League side Salford Red Devils as Kear wished to go part-time in order to train to be a fireman.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19304214.bradford-bulls-bring-elliot-kear-salford/|title=Bradford Bulls bring Elliot Kear in from Salford |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=14 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} Long serving Football Manager Stuart Duffy announced his retirement after 23 years in the role after suffering a bout of ill health.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/967/stuart-duffy-retiring-from-role-with-club|title=STUART DUFFY RETIRING FROM ROLE WITH CLUB |work=Bradford Bulls |date=17 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} Young centre Joe Burton signed a {{frac|1|1|2}}-year professional deal with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19314372.bradford-bulls-secure-future-young-back-end-2022/|title=Bradford Bulls secure future of young back until end of 2022 |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=19 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} Bradford announced the loan signing of Warrington Wolves forward Ellis Robson for a two-week period, meanwhile the Bulls also revealed they had signed Hull F.C. back Mitieli Vulikijapani on a two-week loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19317720.warrington-forward-robson-signs-loan-bradford-bulls/|title=Bradford Bulls sign Robson and Vulikijapani on loan |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=20 May 2021 |accessdate=20 May 2021}} During this month the Rugby Football League announced that along with Castleford Tigers and Hull Kingston Rovers the Bulls would not be granted an elite academy license after this season.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/bradford-bulls-shocked-rfl-academy-20648718|title=Bradford Bulls 'shocked' by RFL academy decision as club hits out |work=The Examiner |date=21 May 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} 300 travelling fans saw the Bulls beat London Broncos 33–8 in the capital with loan signing Robson the stand out player scoring two tries. Academy product Oliver Wilson and fullback Ashton Golding both signed two-week loan deals with the Bulls from Super League side Huddersfield Giants.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19330834.bradford-snap-talented-huddersfield-duo-loan/|title=Bradford snap up talented Huddersfield duo on loan |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=26 May 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} New centre Reece Hamlett signed with Swinton Lions on a loan deal.{{cite web|url=https://swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk/news/hamlett-joins-lions-on-loan/|title=HAMLETT JOINS LIONS ON LOAN |work=Swinton Lions |date=28 May 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} After spending a year and a half at Crown Flatt, the Bulls made their long-awaited return to their home Odsal Stadium with a dominant 37–18 win against rivals York City Knights, youngster Joe Brown led the way with two tries but Danny Brough's eight goals sealed the win.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19339160.bradford-bulls-thrash-york-odsal-return-goes-brilliantly/|title=Bradford Bulls thrash York as Odsal return goes brilliantly |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=31 May 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}}

The upcoming match against Toulouse Olympique was cancelled due to travel restrictions from France regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19349990.coronavirus-rules-see-bradford-toulouse-clash-cancelled/|title=Coronavirus rules see Bradford and Toulouse clash cancelled |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=4 June 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} The Rugby Football League announced that the Bulls were granted a probationary elite license for their academy for a two-year period, renegading on their decision to take that license away.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19351247.bradford-bulls-told-can-continue-running-elite-academy/|title=Bradford Bulls told they can continue running elite academy |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=4 June 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} Bradford made it seven wins a row with a 31–12 victory over newly promoted Newcastle Thunder, Steve Crossley, Thomas Doyle, Jordan Lilley, Ellis Robson and Anthony Walker all scored tries for the Bulls whilst Lilley and Danny Brough kicked 5 goals between them.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19353536.report-bulls-seventh-heaven-newcastle-made-tough/|title=REPORT: Bulls in seventh heaven but Newcastle made it tough |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=7 June 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} However the Bulls suffered a serious blow as star halfback Brough was ruled out for 12–14 weeks with a bicep injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/19360415.injured-bradford-bulls-star-brough-bicep-operation/|title=Injured Bradford Bulls star Brough to have bicep operation |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=9 June 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} Loan signing Mitieli Vulikijapani was recalled by parent club Hull F.C. due to injury problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/castleford-tigers-hull-fc-squads-5502740|title=Mitieli Vulikijapani recalled as Brett Hodgson weighs up options for Hull FC clash with Castleford |work=Hull Daily Mail |date=8 June 2021 |accessdate=10 June 2021}} Huddersfield Giants also recalled Ashton Golding and Oliver Wilson due to a number of positive Covid tests in their squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19362251.bulls-hit-loan-recalls-injury-covid-issues-fev/|title=Bulls hit by loan recalls, injury and Covid issues for Fev |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=11 June 2021 |accessdate=27 June 2021}} The Bulls winning streak came to an end as the injury hit Bulls were ruthlessly taken apart by unbeaten Featherstone Rovers in a 44–0 riot.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19369702.bradford-slump-featherstone-loss-championship-disaster/|title=Bradford slump to Featherstone loss in Championship disaster |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=13 June 2021 |accessdate=27 June 2021}} Young forward Ethan O'Hanlon was loaned out to League 1 side North Wales Crusaders.{{cite web|url=https://northwalescrusaders.com/2021/06/17/ethan-ohanlon-joins-crusaders-on-loan/|title=Ethan O’Hanlon joins Crusaders on loan |work=North Wales Crusaders |date=17 June 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} Warrington Wolves recalled second rower Ellis Robson as their squad was depleted due to the England vs Combined All Stars match.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19387123.bradford-two-back-widnes-lose-couple/|title=Bradford to have two back for Widnes but lose a couple too |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=21 June 2021 |accessdate=27 June 2021}} With the injury to Brough, the Bulls announced the loan signing of former halfback Joe Keyes on a 2-week deal from Hull Kingston Rovers.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19402152.bradford-get-keyes-back-loan-hull-kr/|title=Bradford get Keyes back on loan from Hull KR |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=27 June 2021 |accessdate=27 June 2021}} The Bulls suffered back to back defeats for the first time this season as they lost 25–12 to Widnes Vikings, youngster Scurr and prop Walker scored the tries for Bradford.

Bradford got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 30–16 win over 3rd placed Batley Bulldogs however they lost halfback Jordan Lilley to a rib injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19419093.bulls-waiting-verdict-lilley-goes-off-rib-injury/|title=Bulls waiting on verdict as Lilley goes off with rib injury |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=4 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} After the victory over Batley the Bulls announced that the loan deal for scrum half Joe Keyes was extended on a week by week basis.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/1058/keyes-loan-extended|title=KEYES LOAN EXTENDED |work=Bradford Bulls |date=6 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} The following week Bradford were ruthless as they dismantled Oldham R.L.F.C. in a 54–22 thrashing, Keyes was the man of the match with a hat-trick of tries and nine goals in a 30-point haul.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19435346.bradford-bulls-secure-consecutive-victories-oldham-win/|title=Bradford Bulls secure consecutive victories after Oldham win |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=11 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} Young halfback Matthew Race was sent on loan to North Wales Crusaders in order to gain some first team experience.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19443240.north-wales-bring-bradford-half-back-race-loan/|title=North Wales bring in Bradford half back Race on loan |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=15 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} Once again Hull Kingston Rovers allowed halfback Keyes to stay with the Bulls for an extra month following some good performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19458134.bulls-extend-keyes-loan-deal-hull-kr-one-month/|title=Bulls extend Keyes loan deal from Hull KR by one month |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=21 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} In what could be described as the game of the season so far the Bulls fell agonizingly short to the unbeaten Featherstone Rovers in a thrilling 30–36 loss which was only settled by a late Dane Chisholm interception.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19467764.keyes-bulls-left-sore-featherstone-heartbreak/|title=Keyes out as Bulls left sore over Featherstone heartbreak |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=25 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}} The Bulls announced that they had signed former loanee and current York City Knights player Jordan Baldwinson one a one-week loan deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/19481839.bradford-bring-york-star-loan-halifax-clash/|title=Bradford bring York star in on loan for Halifax clash |work=Telegraph & Argus |date=30 July 2021 |accessdate=31 July 2021}}

• CCR1: Reece Hamlett, Jack Sanderson, Danny Brough, Brad England and Anthony Walker made their debuts for the Bulls.
• CCR1: Reece Hamlett and Ebon Scurr scored their 1st try for the Bulls.
• CCR1: Danny Brough kicked his 1st goal for the Bulls.
• Round 1: Aaron Murphy and Billy Jowitt made their debuts for the Bulls.
• Round 1: Joe Brown scored his 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 2: Daniel Fleming scored his 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 3: Danny Brough and Brad England scored their 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 3: Ross Oakes scored his 25th try and reached 100 points for the Bulls.
• Round 3: Danny Brough kicked his 1st drop goal for the Bulls.
• Round 4: Brandon Pickersgill scored his 25th try and reached 100 points for the Bulls.
• Round 5: Joe Burton made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 7: Mitieli Vulikijapani and Ellis Robson made their debuts for the Bulls.
• Round 7: Ellis Robson and Aaron Murphy scored their 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 8: Ashton Golding made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 8: Ashton Golding scored his 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 6: Anthony Walker scored his 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 6: Jordan Lilley reached 100 points for the Bulls.
• Round 12: Joe Burton scored his 1st try for the Bulls.
• Round 13: Joe Keyes scored his 25th try for the Bulls.
• Round 14: George Flanagan kicked his 1st goal for the Bulls.
• Round 15: Sam Hallas kicked his 1st goal for the Bulls.
• Round 15: George Flanagan kicked his 1st drop goal for the Bulls.
• Round 17: George Flanagan made his 50th appearance for the Bulls.
• Round 18: Bradley Ho made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 18: George Flanagan scored his 25th try and reached 100 points for the Bulls.
• Round 19: Masimbaashe Matongo made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 19: Rhys Evans scored his 1st hat-trick for the Bulls.
• Round 19: Danny Brough reached 100 points for the Bulls.
• Round 20: Ethan O'Hanlon made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 21: Eldon Myers made his debut for the Bulls.
• Round 22: Sam Hallas made his 100th appearance for the Bulls.

Bulls' score is first.

• Friendly games only

16px = Injured

16px = Suspended

{{2021 RFL Championship regular season table|showteam=BRA}}

12px = Injured

12px = Suspended

{{Further|Bradford Bulls}}

• Appearances and points include (Championship, Challenge Cup and Play-offs) as of 25 September 2021.

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

{{Bradford Bulls}}

{{2021 in rugby league}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bradford Bulls}}

Category:2021 in English rugby league

Category:2021 in rugby league by club

2021