Aussie rugby league star Loghan Lewis is back in the game and loving it, as his new team, Bradford Bulls, rise from the ashes to reclaim their place in the Super League. After a tumultuous 12-year journey that saw the four-time Super League champions and three-time world champions fold, reform, and fight their way back up, Bradford is ready to roar once more.
The expansion of the Super League to 14 clubs offered Bradford a golden opportunity, elevating them alongside Toulouse and York to take the place of Salford, who were headed towards liquidation. And amidst all the chaos of promises, plans, unpaid wages, and mounting debts that ultimately led to the demise of the Red Devils, Lewis found himself caught in the crossfire.
"It took the love out of the game," Lewis confessed. "Knowing what was going on, every day was a struggle to get out of bed and go to training. We started off as a tight-knit group, but as players went their separate ways, it became harder to stay positive. And being from Australia, without any support system here, it was tough not knowing what the future held, especially towards the end of the season. That was the hardest part."
Despite the challenges, Lewis remained focused on the game, preparing for weekly matches and trying to stay optimistic. "Some players only met on game day, but I made so many friends throughout that year. You always find the silver lining, don't you?"
The move to Bradford has been a breath of fresh air for Lewis. "This club is ready for Super League, and you can feel the history here. Bradford was a powerhouse in the early 2000s, and that legacy is evident everywhere we train and play."
Lewis, now 23, is joined by familiar faces at Bradford, including coach Kurt Haggerty and teammates Ethan Ryan, Joe Mellor, Jayden Nikorima, Esan Marsters, and loanees Rowan Milnes and Dan Russell, all of whom made the move from Salford to Odsal.
As Bradford begins their Super League campaign against Hull FC today, Lewis is eager to impress, especially one fan who made a long journey to support him.
"My dad flew all the way from Australia to watch me return from injury last year, but I only lasted 30 seconds before getting knocked out in my first challenge! He tried to play it cool, but I could tell he was disappointed. I'm determined to give him a better show this time around."
Lewis credits coach Haggerty's detailed, one-on-one approach for helping him regain his passion for the game. "Kurt leaves no room for ambiguity. He tells you exactly what he wants, and that clarity has been a game-changer for me."
So, as Bradford Bulls prepare to write a new chapter in their storied history, Loghan Lewis is ready to lead the charge. Will he be able to deliver the goods and make his dad proud? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the rugby league world is watching with bated breath.
