Wakefield Trinity beat Bradford Bulls 26-12 but let lead slip to four points late

Wakefield Trinity defeated Bradford Bulls 26-12 in a Betfred Super League match on 16 July 2026. Wakefield scored tries through Tom Johnstone, Will Tate, Jay Pitts, Josh Rourke and Harvey Smith, with Rourke adding three goals. Bradford replied with tries from Ethan Ryan and Chris Atkin plus two goals from Luke Hooley.

Wakefield led 10-6 at half-time after Ryan's 23rd-minute try and a Hooley penalty. Ryan was sin-binned for upending Rourke. In the second half Pitts and Rourke extended the lead before Atkin pulled Bradford within four points.

Smith scored Wakefield's final try just before the hooter. The victory gave Wakefield their eighth win in nine matches and moved them into second place. They now trail Leeds Rhinos by two points. Bradford have one win in their last six games and sit 10 points outside the play-off positions.

Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell said the side had not been at their best yet still secured the result. Bradford head coach Kurt Haggerty said the team had aimed to beat a top-six side and came close but remained disappointed with the outcome.