The following is what Prof Tony Collins, RFL archivist and critically acclaimed author sent me in reply to my question.

Hi Mick

Of all the clubs currently playing rugby league, Bradford were the first to be founded in 1863 (actually one interesting point is that they were formed well before the RFU was founded in 1871).

I know some people argue that they went bust in 1964 or that the majority of the original club went over to soccer in 1907 and became Bradford Park Avenue, but there was/is a living continuity in terms of club administrators, players and supporters. Huddersfield were founded the following year and Hull FC in 1865.

It’s important that we celebrate the history of our clubs - when the 2013 World Cup takes place it will mark 150 years of rugby league history. These clubs are older than the vast majority of clubs playing any football code around the world. It’s a great opportunity for the game as a whole.

I would like to think that in 2013 the Bradford Bulls take Prof Tony Collins advice and really push the fact that our club will be 150 years old.

I'll be having a word with Mr Bennet and Duffy during the season about this rare and fantastic opportunity.

Rugby League "the greatest game"

I think Prof. Collins needs to remember that the club actually celebrated it's centenary in 2007, promoting it widely by both a centenary shirt (which I and many others bought) and a club crest that lasted the year.

Don't get me wrong, i'd love it if we were the oldest existing professional rugby league club but if the club itself has previously declared that it was formed in 1907 then i doubt anything will happen.

I dont reckon any thing will happen either. I asked for Trevor Foster to lead the team out or have a guard of honour to mark the 40th anniversary of the re-formation in 2004, that fell on deaf ears.

And I asked Duffy for a star above the club crest to mark the wcc victory back in 2002.

Got the usual "ill pass it on...:

I like the idea of the stars!!!

While I'll agree that in the past people at the club didn't listen to us supporters, from the feedback that I've had from Stuart and Andrew, they seem to be listening to us now so I'll put something to them along the lines of a classic Northern top with the date 1863-2013 on or maybe even try and arrange a warm up vs Australia (we never did get that game at Valley Parade against them in 2001).

leeds are already doing it (blatantly copied from england football team) with stars for each of their Grand final wins.

Such a shame it'll stop at four

Never understood the desire to
ignore the 1863 date in favour of 1907 (why not 1964 then a TC points out?). Also saddened by the failure to grasp the marketing opportunities offered by the celebration of milestones. The Aussies go big on it and while I realise that merchandise is something the club are loathe to take a punt on after the centenary shirts failed to shift very quick, it would be nice to see the history of the club recognised more in - for example Penrith Panthers turned an ordinary game into a big occasion by celebrating their 10,000th game since format. Would be nice to see the 150 celebrated in some style.

Using the same ‘Duckworth Lewis’ method, Bradford City will be celebrating their Sesquicentennial in 2030. Manningham, the very first champions of the Northern Union-1895/96, was formed in 1880.

you sure as I cant see them on my shirt nor on the pictures on the website

And some of us complained about completely made up centenaries at the time, especially ones that are more celebrations of the club breaking in two rather than forming.

I'll go with Professor Collins interpretation, but I was happy for any excuse to buy a proper Northern jersey in 2007!