Temptation placed in coaches’ way as agents tout Bradford Bulls’ players

They are back in the hands of administrators after Bradford Bulls 2014 Ltd, the company set up to take over from OK Bulls Ltd, withdrew its offer when the West Yorkshire club were docked six competition points on Tuesday.

Players have been assured their monthly wages would be paid on time this week, but coach Francis Cummins fears losing some of them to rivals given the “vultures have been circling for months.”

He has already seen England prop Garreth Carvell switch to Hull following their last administration on January 31 and, indirectly, Jarrod Sammut also left for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Radford, who was part of the last Bradford side to win a Grand Final in 2005 before their alarming decline set in, said: “I’ve read Franny’s comments that the vultures are circling.

“But it is difficult for other coaches when agents are ringing and saying this guy is available or that guy is available.

“It is going on. Dead set, it is going on.”

Radford, who is without Carvell for Sunday’s trip to Warrington due to an ankle injury, said: “It’s been a rollercoaster there (Bradford) since they went into administration the first time around.

“It is unfortunate for them, but it is what it is. Poor management has effectively put a lot of blokes at risk of not getting paid.

“You don’t ever want to see that in our sport.

“I know a lot of the off-field staff there and it is sad to see a club like that with such history – and certainly in the Super League era – that’s had that much success.

“I’m surprised it’s come to this in the short time since I left (in 2005), but as a player you don’t know where the dollars are going.

“The management they have in at the minute are effectively doing the job with their hands tied behind their backs.”

The RFL say they are currently in talks with four parties interested in purchasing the club.