The Betfred Super League table is giving us serious nostalgia vibes, and it’s impossible not to feel a surge of excitement. It’s like the early 2000s all over again, with Wigan, Leeds, St Helens, and Bradford Bulls dominating the top spots. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after years of absence, the Bulls are back with a bang, mixing it up with the giants after stunning wins over Catalans and Toulouse. Could this be the start of a new era for them? Or is it just a fleeting throwback? Let’s dive in.
The current standings are a blast from the past, reminiscent of the Super League’s first decade, when these four teams were virtually untouchable. Bradford’s glory days were largely confined to those early years, but their recent resurgence has fans buzzing. And this is the part most people miss: until last season, when Hull Kingston Rovers finally broke the streak, these four were the only teams to have ever lifted the Super League trophy. Talk about dominance!
Hull KR’s rise is particularly fascinating. While the ‘big four’ were ruling the roost in the 2000s, Rovers weren’t even in the competition. They only joined in 2007, after winning the National League One final the previous year. By then, Wigan, Saints, Bulls, and Leeds had already cemented their legacy. To put their early dominance into perspective, from 1997 to 2004, these four teams always occupied the top five spots. Yes, you read that right—always.
There were occasional surprises, like London Broncos finishing second in ’97 or Halifax third in ’98, but for the most part, the quartet reigned supreme. In 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003, they locked down the top four, with only Hull FC breaking the pattern by finishing third in 2001 and 2004. Even the Super League Grand Finals were their playground: between 1998 and 2011, only Hull FC managed to reach Old Trafford outside of the big four, losing to St Helens in 2006.
Bradford’s three Grand Final wins in 2001, 2003, and 2005 are a testament to their past greatness. While they’re not title contenders just yet, their current form is a reason to celebrate. With upcoming games against struggling sides like Huddersfield and Castleford, they’ll be aiming to keep their momentum going. But here’s the controversial question: Is this resurgence a sign of things to come, or just a fleeting moment of nostalgia?
This Saturday’s clash against St Helens could shake up the ‘throwback’ top four, but for now, let’s savor this trip down memory lane. What do you think? Are the Bulls back for good, or is this just a temporary return to the old days? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
