St Helens secured a hard-fought 26-22 victory over the Bradford Bulls on March 7, 2026, in a gripping Super League encounter. The match, a compelling contest between two sides with a shared history in the competition’s Grand Final – having faced off in 1999 and 2002 – saw a dramatic shift in momentum, ultimately decided by a late endeavor from Deon Cross. The win moves St Helens level on points with second-place Warrington, whereas Bradford remain fifth in the league standings.
The game unfolded as a tense battle, with both teams demonstrating resilience and determination. St Helens initially took the lead through a try from Shane Wright, but Bradford responded strongly, taking the lead before halftime. A key moment in the first half saw Bradford’s David Klemmer sent to the sin bin, a milestone occasion marking his 300th career appearance. The Bulls capitalized on the numerical advantage, extending their lead with further tries from Ethan Ryan and Connor Wynne. Wynne’s performance proved particularly impactful, showcasing his attacking prowess and contributing significantly to Bradford’s first-half dominance.
A Second-Half Shift in Momentum
The second half began with Bradford continuing their strong performance, adding another try through Wynne to establish a significant 12-point lead. However, St Helens mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by tries from Curtis Sironen and Tristan Sailor, bringing the scores level. The turning point arguably came with the sending-off of Bradford’s Eliot Peposhi, shifting the balance of power in favor of the hosts. Kyle Feldt then added another try for St Helens, seemingly putting the game beyond Bradford’s reach.
However, the Bulls refused to surrender. Taking advantage of a sin-binning for St Helens’ Joe Shorrock, they fought back with a try from Andy Ackers, regaining the lead and demonstrating their unwavering spirit. Bradford’s defense then stood firm for nearly ten minutes, repelling a sustained St Helens attack, including a remarkable defensive effort involving five players to prevent a certain try in the corner. This period highlighted the Bulls’ commitment and tactical discipline, showcasing their ability to withstand pressure even while shorthanded.
Cross Secures Late Victory for Saints
Despite Bradford’s valiant resistance, St Helens ultimately found the breakthrough they needed. In the closing stages of the match, Deon Cross managed to slip through the Bulls’ defense, scoring the decisive try that secured the 26-22 victory for St Helens. This try extended Bradford’s winless streak at St Helens to 17 years, a testament to the Saints’ formidable home record. The match was a compelling display of Super League rugby, characterized by dramatic swings in momentum and unwavering commitment from both sides.
The game similarly saw Esan Marsters of St Helens produce a crucial last-ditch tackle, preventing the hosts from leveling the scores during a critical period. This defensive play underscored the importance of individual contributions in a closely contested match. The contest was particularly notable for its physicality and intensity, with both teams demonstrating a willingness to compete for every yard.
Bradford Bulls Squad Update
According to the latest team information available as of March 8, 2026, the Bradford Bulls squad includes Caleb Aekins, Jayden Okunbor, Esan Marsters, Waqa Blake, Ethan Ryan, Jayden Nikorima, Rowan Milnes, Ryan Sutton, Andy Ackers, Loghan Lewis, Dan Russell, Zac Fulton, Joe Mellor, Mitch Souter, Eribe Doro, Ebon Scurr, Ed Chamberlain, Joe Keyes, Will Gardiner, Brandon Douglas, Sam Hallas, Luke Hooley, Connor Wynne, Guy Armitage and Leon Ruan. Kurt Haggerty serves as the head coach, supported by assistant coaches Carl Forster and Lee Greenwood. The full Super League team squads can be found on Wikipedia.
St Helens’ Recent Form and League Standings
This victory for St Helens follows a recent trend of strong performances, positioning them as contenders in the Betfred Super League. The team’s ability to recover from a significant deficit against a determined Bradford side demonstrates their resilience and tactical flexibility. The win places them in a strong position as the season progresses, level on points with Warrington and within striking distance of the league leaders. The BBC reported on the match, highlighting the Saints’ comeback and the key contributions of players like Wright, Sironen, Sailor, and Feldt. Read the full match report on BBC Sport.
Key Moments and Disciplinary Action
The match was not without its controversial moments, with both David Klemmer and Eliot Peposhi receiving sin-bin and red-card decisions respectively. Klemmer’s sin-binning in his 300th career appearance proved a significant turning point in the first half, allowing Bradford to capitalize and build a lead. Peposhi’s subsequent sending-off in the second half dramatically altered the course of the game, providing St Helens with the opportunity to mount their comeback. These disciplinary decisions undoubtedly influenced the outcome of the match and sparked debate among fans and analysts.
The game also showcased the attacking prowess of several players, including Connor Wynne, who scored two tries for Bradford, and Deon Cross, whose late try secured the win for St Helens. The individual performances of these players were crucial in shaping the narrative of the match and highlighting the talent within both squads.
Wigan Warriors also maintained their perfect start to the season with a 36-16 away win at Toulouse Olympique on the same day, further intensifying the competition at the top of the Betfred Super League table. Sky Sports provides further coverage of the weekend’s Super League action.
Looking ahead, St Helens will aim to build on this victory and maintain their momentum as they continue their Super League campaign. Bradford Bulls, despite the defeat, will undoubtedly look to learn from this closely contested match and strive for improved results in their upcoming fixtures. The Super League season promises to be a thrilling contest, with several teams vying for supremacy.
The next scheduled Super League matches will take place on the weekend of March 15, 2026, with a full fixture list to be announced by the league organizers. Fans can stay updated on the latest news, scores, and standings by visiting the official Betfred Super League website.
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