For one quarter of the game the Rhinos turned on the magic with a sublime period of play that brought four tries in 14 minutes and, for a few hours at least, extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

So much credit has to go to the Leeds Academy set-up for the quality of young players it is discovering and turning into the potential stars of the next decade. On paper the Rhinos – with Kallum Watkins making his first Super League start, Ryan Hall on the wing and a bench including Luke Burgess, Simon Worrall and loan signing Eric Anselme – looked understrength compared with the Bulls.

But how the young players responded, as did the vastly experienced likes of Keith Senior, Brent Webb, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock, Matt Diskin and Kevin Sinfield in ensuring the youngsters were never exposed.

The first half was a tight affair. The Bulls took the lead with an early try from Semi Tadulala, too far out for Paul Deacon’s conversion. Leeds responded with a spell of concerted pressure and got their noses in front when Kylie Leuluai gave a superb offload to Sinfield, Danny McGuire threw out a long pass and Watkins was on hand to go over for his first Super League try.

Sinfield converted, but later spurned the chance of an easy two points by opting for a tap penalty. Deacon was in no doubt, three penalty chances came his way and he took them all to give the Bulls a 10-6 lead at the break. Sinfield’s decision was the topic of much half-time debate, the consensus being that he should have gone for the two.

How little we know. Less than a minute after the restart Webb threw a long pass to Watkins who made a fine break and had the awareness to return the ball to Webb who sent Anselme in for a debut try.

Having spotted a weakness on the Bradford right, the Rhinos exploited it to the full. Bradford were torn apart as McGuire released Worrall who sent Senior over; Scott Donald dived over from close range; then Webb was in for a well deserved try. With Sinfield converting three Leeds were suddenly 28-10 in front.

The Bulls narrowed the gap to eight points with tries from Tadulala and Shontayne Hape, but then David Solomona threw a long, speculative pass and Hall was there to make the interception and ensure a Leeds win.

Leuluai increased the lead with a try that was pure strength and determination and Sinfield took his tally to six from seven, before the Bulls had the last word with a try from Sam Burgess.

This weekend it’s back to Challenge Cup action with the Rhinos away at Harlequins.