A FAIRY tale season by the Bradford Bulls has inspired the club’s fan base and a massive game today could be the "stuff of dreams".

All the excitement at the Odsal-based club will culminate in a play-off semi-final game in France against Toulouse at 5pm today (Saturday).

“It should be a good and exciting day,” said Richard Wood, treasurer of the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association, a group that has helped the Bulls with player recruitment. “Toulouse are a good side, so it will be a tough battle but we can only hope.

Richard did say that although the Bulls lost to Toulouse on a red-hot day in June, he did say they beat them in cold weather at Odsal early in the season.

Reflecting on what has been a very successful season, he said: “We seem to have been drama-free this year. This is a big game, so we can’t get carried away. We’ve got to continue the stability.

“The team has developed a consistency over the last couple of months. They’ve established what they need to do and worked out a pattern to get there.

“There is certainly a feel-good factor about and that can only be enhanced if they achieve promotion.”

Judith Cummins, the MP for Bradford South, said: “It is a tense day for Bradford Bulls fans as the team gear up for the semi-final playoff that could bring us just one step away from a return to the Super League.

“The Bulls have already excelled – I congratulate them on their highest league placement in eight seasons.

“Watching their victory over the York Knights last weekend, it was fantastic to see Bulls fans united in pride and optimism for their team and their city.

“This pride reflects the ambition so many of us share for Bradford outside of sport too - to improve our city and make Bradford an even better place to live, grow up and work in.”

Mick Gledhill, broadcaster and Bulls match-day commentator on West Yorkshire Radio who has been going to Bradford Bulls matches since 1989, explained how much this game means to the club.

“This is a massive game is engulfing the Bulls support base.

“The club has to get back to the Super League. The closest they came since being relegated was getting to the £1 million game in 2015.”

The Bulls finished third in the Championship this season behind tomorrow’s opponent Toulouse, who were second.

“This season has been a pleasant surprise,” said Mick. “We’re one game away from the £1 million game (final). It’s the stuff of dreams.

“Toulouse are a tough and formidable opponent. They’ve only lost one game out of 19 in France this season. If the Bulls win this tough match they’ll thoroughly deserve to be in the £1 million game.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Key Bulls signing James Segeyaro, centre, with John and Anne Downes, committee members of the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association.Key Bulls signing James Segeyaro, centre, with John and Anne Downes, committee members of the Bradford Bulls Squad Booster Association. (Image: UGC)

Mick also spoke about playing such a big game in the south of France where temperatures are predicted to reach a red-hot 33 degrees.

“I’m here in France today and it’s absolutely scorching. The humidity is ridiculous.

“The heat could work against Bradford, because when you think about rugby up North, you think of mud-encrusted pitches and normally dreary and inclement weather.”

However, Mick expects that at least 500 Bradford fans who are expected to travel to France will be in full voice.

After Bradford beat the York City Knights last weekend, he said Bradford fans have been “scrambling” to try and arrange flights and hotels”.

“It’s not just an hour on the coach up to Featherstone.”

With the travelling support added to a sold out at Odsal who will watch a live stream of tomorrow’s Bulls game, Mick said: “It’s absolutely amazing and shows how much confidence is sweeping through the fan base.

“Bradford fans can make a heck of a difference and turn an away ground into a mini-Odsal.

“Bradford has the largest fan base in the Championship, which is attractive to a lot of Super Leagues clubs who might want Bradford to win.

“A lot of people Bradford as a Super League club in waiting. It adds a stimulus and I could see Sky Sports and strategic partners wanting Bradford to renew big city rivalries against teams like Leeds. It sells the sport and gives it an adrenaline kick.

“There a lot of people at the club, proud and stoic Bradfordians, who have been working behind the scenes and turning the cogs on recruitment.

“You’re getting caught up in the fairy tale, but it’s not just a fairy tale, the players are performing every Sunday on the field. The rubs off on the fans as well.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, they’ve instilled much-needed belief back into the club. Good times are on the horizon.”