HOLMES PRAISES COLLECTIVE EFFORT

Tom Holmes praised the ‘outstanding effort’ from 1-17 as the Bulls knocked Super League side Castleford Tigers out of the Betfred Challenge Cup with an 18-16 victory on Sunday.

The full-back, who was voted Man of the Match by the BBC Commentary team, scored a stunning length of the field try minutes after a crucial try-saving tackle with the score at 12-0. 

The 28-year-old was facing his boyhood club, for who he made 16 appearances and made it two tries in two matches in 2025 with his long-range effort.

Speaking to the BBC cameras post-match, Holmes, who is sponsored by Top Notch NW Ltd, insisted he and his team-mates will not get carried away and will continue to take things week by week. 

“It’s pretty hard to put into words, as a club we have been excited since the draw was made and with me and Gilly [Kieran Gill] being from Cas it was nice to draw them and what an outstanding effort it was from all 17. 

“There were a few errors obviously towards the end but we defended and scrambled well, what an effort it was it is easy for me at the back when we are defending like that. 

“We said the 1% efforts are what win you matches like this and the middles defended outstandingly, I know Nobby [Brian Noble] will be happy with them and everyone across the board, what a way to win in front of our own fans. 

“I think we deserved the win, there was a little lapse in concentration towards the end but a win’s a win, we are pretty buzzing as you can tell by the place and the crowd. 

“It is important we don’t worry about anything and anyone other than ourselves, we’ll take it week by week this was just another challenge, we haven’t played a Super League team in a competitive game for a long time. 

“We’ve knocked them off, now we take it week by week, prepare for the season which starts on Sunday against London, it [beating Castleford] was a good step forward and we are excited.” 

See if Tom and the boys can get off to a winning start when London Broncos visit Bartercard Odsal in Round One of the Betfred Championship. 

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