By Joe Hewlett
Iconic battles with Leeds Rhinos, triumph in the World Club Challenge and 27,000 roaring fans every weekend.
The Bradford Bulls had everything. They WERE the team of rugby league.
How times have changed.
After flirting in and out of administration for 5 years, they were put out of their misery and went into liquidation in early 2017.
However, they have a second chance after being resurrected by Andrew Chambers. The former chairman of New Zealand Rugby League confirmed that he had brought the club on January 17. Former player and Coach Graham Lowe will also be involved at the club with the pair aiming to steer the Bulls away from relegation to League One.
Fans are praying that the pair can turn things around for the club and community.
Lifelong supporter and season ticket holder Liam Hastie shared his frustrations with The Yorkshire Voice: “Our struggles have gone on for too long. Action had to be taken and I just hope that this is finally the wake-up call to the club. I was devastated by the news that we had been liquidated but thankfully Andrew Chambers has come in and fingers crossed he sorts out the mess.
“The main priority is to stay up this year and it will be a tough ask considering we’ve got a 12-point-deduction. We have a new squad and time will tell but if any team can bounce back. Rugby league has given the community some great times, from winning titles to thrashing Leeds Rhinos.
“We are all just praying that the new owner and coach from Southern Hemisphere can collectively place them back where they belong – challenging the likes of Wigan, Leeds and St. Helens for silverware.”
Bradford Bulls and new coach Geoff Toovey begin life in the Championship next weekend away to Hull KR.