IT was the occasion that mattered, not the match.

Bulls may have lost 34-10 at Leeds Rhinos but bragging rights weren’t the most important thing yesterday, it was the cause.

An emotional Headingley crowd of 19,560 stood and applauded as one when Rob Burrow, who played for Leeds and Great Britain, came on to the pitch for the closing moments.

Burrow, 37, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last month and this match saw some of the proceeds raised go towards him and his family.

The clash was also a chance for rugby league fans to say goodbye to Leeds legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan following a trophy-filled career.

Bulls fans had their say on social media after yesterday’s game, happy to have been part of the day.

JulieC tweeted: “Just inspiring what Leeds Rhinos & the Bradford Bulls did today as a fundraiser.  Rob is a legend.”

Bradford Bulls also tweeted about both Burrow and Jones-Buchanan.


Betfred Super League tweeted: “Rob Burrow enters the field. Not a dry eye in the house.”

Solomon Grundy posted on the Telegraph and Argus website: “Couldn't be there yesterday bit it looked like a great day. Best of luck Rob Burrows.”

True confessions wanted Bulls head coach John Kear (JK) to sign some of the former players on show at the testimonial, who included former Bulls ace Robbie Hunter-Paul: “Just got back from the game and what a fantastic atmosphere it was, the best part of the game is when the old boys came on. Robbie, Stuart F and Nathan McAvoy looked really good, JK get them signed up!”