Warrington Wolves crush Bradford Bulls 42-4

Warrington Wolves overwhelmed Bradford Bulls with a dominant 42-4 away victory in Super League on Friday night, as Matty Ashton scored twice in a performance that underlined their title ambitions. The Wolves, third in the table, left Odsal Stadium with a 38-point margin, their biggest win of the season so far. Ashton’s brace came just days after he was named Super League Player of the Month for July, adding to Jack Welsby’s 12-point haul. It was a statement result that suggests Warrington are serious contenders for the Grand Final.

This wasn’t a fluke. Warrington have been in strong form all season, sitting just two points behind league leaders St Helens after 20 rounds. Their attack has been relentless, ranking among the top three in the league for tries scored and points for. Bradford, meanwhile, have struggled with consistency, hovering just above the relegation zone. Their defence has been porous, conceding an average of 34 points per game this season. The Bulls entered the match winless in their last five, with only one victory in their past 11 outings. The Wolves, by contrast, had won four of their last five, including a thrilling 28-26 comeback against Leeds.

Ashton’s first try came in the 12th minute, after Warrington broke through a weak defensive line. His second followed shortly after, exploiting another defensive error. The Bulls managed just one try from centre Curtis Tuoro, while Warrington piled on the pressure with tries from Welsby, Tom Whitehead, and centre Lachlan Fitzgibbon. The final score flattered Bradford, with Warrington racking up 28 unanswered points in the second half. It was a performance that will give rivals pause — especially those chasing the top four.

Warrington now face Castleford next, a team in mid-table limbo but capable of upsets. If they maintain this momentum, they’ll push for a top-two finish and a shot at the Grand Final. For Bradford, the loss piles pressure on coach Mark Calderwood, who has come under scrutiny for the team’s poor run. Their next match is against Huddersfield, a side fighting for playoff spots. This result won’t just fade from memory — it could shape the rest of the season.