Leeds support Bradford with ticket gesture

James Gordon

Bradford Bulls will keep the money from tickets sold at their ticket office for the West Yorkshire derby at Headingley.

Leeds Rhinos will donate the money to the Bulls to help them through their financial troubles. Only tickets sold from the Bulls’ ticket office will be kept by the Bradford club. Bradford fans who pay at the turnstile for the West Terrace will not have their money transferred to the Bulls.

Therefore both clubs are encouraging match-goers to purchase their tickets in advance, in an attempt to keep the Bulls alive.

Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “The game has a collective responsibility towards those who have been hit by the Bulls current financial difficulties and we at Leeds Rhinos are keen to assist at this difficult time.

“We also want to attract a 20,000 crowd, create a good news story for Rugby League and make this Friday a memorable occasion. Together we can achieve all that.”

Bradford Bulls interim chief executive Gary Tasker added: “This is a fantastic gesture from our neighbours and we appreciate it at this difficult time. In adversity you learn a lot about people and since my return I have been surprised by some of the calls I have received, however I am not surprised that Leeds Rhinos have made this offer.

“The Rhinos have always seen the bigger picture for the game of Rugby League and now we can look forward to a bumper crowd for the derby clash. Hopefully, we will have a Western Terrace full of Bulls fans on Friday night and tickets will be available all week from the Odsal ticket office.”

Bradford travel to Headingley on Friday night, a game which is not being televised.