A QUARTER of a century ago, Bradford Northern decided a name change was necessary to begin the Super League era. Bradford Bulls were subsequently born.

Here we look at five of the best moments in the 25-year long history of the Bulls:

Ending the cup drought

Bradford had a great start to the new top flight competition, capturing the title in 1997, ending an almost a two-decade wait.

However, it was winning the domestic cup competition that they desired the most. Over half a century had passed since the club had lifted the Challenge Cup.

Final defeats against St Helens in 1996 and 1997 only further whetted the appetite for supporters, who were desperate to lift the trophy for the fourth time in the club's history.

Three years on from their latest heartbreak, it happened, thanks to a victory over their biggest rival.

After a blistering start, which included two tries from Michael Withers, Bulls fought off a late flurry of Leeds Rhinos tries to finally get over the line 24-18 at a rapturous Murrayfield.

Success on the world stage

Again, Bulls reached the pinnacle of the English game in 2001. Now it was time to show their dominance on the international scene.

These days, it is a shock to see a Super League team beat a Southern Hemisphere side in the glamorous World Club Challenge final, but back in the noughties it was a common occurrence, with England winning seven out of the ten meetings across the decade.

Bradford can put their name to a trio of those wins, but it was their first which was the most impressive.

Newcastle Jets travelled over to Huddersfield's Kirklees Stadium for the encounter, after upsetting the odds to beat league toppers Parramatta Eels in the NRL Grand Final.

However, Bradford did not seem fazed one bit, romping to a James Lowes inspired victory. A brace each from Withers and Robbie Paul gave the hosts a well-deserved 41-26 win.

THAT treble season

When you mention the year 2003 to any Bradford fan, fantastic emotions must come flooding back.

Whether it be Lesley Vainikolo's tries, Paul Deacon's kicking, or beating their greatest rivals in a Challenge Cup final once again, it goes down as the greatest season in the club's history.

That tight 22-20 win over Leeds in Wales provided the team with great momentum to finish the season in style.

After edging out Rhinos again, this time in the race for the League Leaders' Shield, it all came down to an October night at Old Trafford to see if they could do what only four clubs at the time had previously done.

In what turned out to be Lowes' last rugby league match, he turned on the style to help his side overcome Wigan Warriors 25-12 to top off an unbelievable campaign.

Inflicting revenge on the old enemy

Despite two huge wins against Leeds in cup finals, it was in Super League's prestigious Grand Final where Bradford couldn't get over the line against their old foes.

In 2004, the Rhinos were just too good for Brian Noble's men, easing to a 16-8 victory. However, Bulls were out for revenge a year later.

After missing out on the top two, they had the uphill task of having to win three matches in order to reach Old Trafford.

London Broncos, Hull FC and St Helens were all swept aside to set up the dream final. A Leon Pryce-inspired Bulls did not disappoint, as they battled to a 15-6 win to capture their fourth and unfortunately last Super League crown to date.

Kear's resurgence

After the well-documented collapse of the club, which included numerous administrations, relegations and a liquidation, Bulls needed an experienced and inspiring general to head up a revival.

John Kear was the man tasked to bring the club back from the depths of League One. Promotion, albeit via the playoffs, in his first season did the former Castleford legend great favours.

A remarkable Challenge Cup victory against Leeds the following season also proved to be a historic moment.

With the popular head coach recently signing a new two-year deal at the club, let's hope he can lead Bulls back to the promised land and produce many more memories like the above in future.

What are your favourite memories of watching Bulls since 1995? Feel free to let us know about any we've missed out down below.