Buyer steps in to rescue Bradford as RFL set for talks

The Rugby Football League last night held a conference call, including chief executive Nigel Wood who is currently in Australia, to discuss the fourth offer for the Odsal club – which is in administration and limping financially towards the end of the season.

No details about the mystery offer have been released, but the Yorkshire Post understands that unlike previous bids from the ABC consortium, this new bid is unconditional.

The RFL have long maintained they could not consider offers which had conditions attached to them, like ABC wanting guarantees over Bradford’s Super League future and the buyback of the Odsal Stadium lease from the game’s governing body.

In an attempt to end the short-term uncertainty over the club’s future, Super League (Europe) stepped in last Thursday with an offer to buy the Bulls on behalf of the other 13 clubs.

The RFL believe Super League’s offer has helped to ‘flush out’ a possible buyer who had been waiting in the wings as administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, partner at Leeds-based The P&A Partnership, looked to find a buyer for the Bulls.

The new rescue package is the fourth offer Guilfoyle has received for the financially-stricken club, along with ABC there has also been interest from a consortium involving local MP Gerry Sutcliffe, with the Bulls having been in administration since June 26.

Guilfoyle said: “I understand the frustration of fans, players and staff that we haven’t sold the club yet.

“The administrators have a duty to creditors to aim to get the best deal possible so we submit all offers where funds are proved.

“This new offer is for more than Super League (Europe) Ltd put forward so we felt obliged to submit to the RFL for consideration.”

The RFL will now speak to Guilfoyle and the potential buyers today, hoping to receive more details of the offer over the next 24 hours.

Despite being deducted six points for entering administration, the Bulls can move joint-eighth and into the final play-off spot if they beat Hull KR tomorrow night.

Back in Bradford’s squad are hooker Matt Diskin, who has not featured because of a shoulder injury since the Magic Weekend, and Jason Crookes, who returns for the first time since injuring his shoulder in the game at Hull in March. They replace Danny Addy and Nick Scruton in the only changes to Mick Potter’s 19-man squad.

Australian forward Mitch Achurch signed for Leeds Rhinos and immediately set his sights on playing for England in the 2013 World Cup.

The 24-year-old Penrith Panthers forward, whose mother was born in London and moved to Australia as a teenager, will join the Super League champions on a four-year contract from November.

The 6st 5in, 18st Achurch, who has also played for North Queensland Cowboys, has made eight appearances for the Panthers this season, including their defeat at Melbourne on Saturday.

“It was obviously a big decision for me but my mum still has a lot of family in England and this feels like the right decision for me,” he said.

“Growing up, every kid dreams of playing in the NRL and I have done that now and it was flattering to have both Penrith and Manly keen to sign me.

“I think the Super League competition will suit my natural game and I am excited about coming over to England for the next four years at least but, hopefully, longer.

“My first focus is coming over and doing my best for Leeds Rhinos but obviously with my heritage that would make me available for England and the World Cup next year.

Hull centre Tony Martin, one of Super League’s longest-serving players, has announced his retirement at the age of 33.

The Australian, who played in the first season of Super League as a 17-year-old with London Broncos in 1996, is hanging up his boots after failing to recover from an Achilles injury sustained in the Hull derby in Manchester in May.

Hull was the last stopping-off point for Martin, who played for six clubs in a 17-year career that included spells at Wakefield and Crusaders.

He had two stints with the Londoners and played in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and Melbourne Storm, with whom he won the 1999 Grand Final.

“I was just a kid that grew up in Queensland wanting to be a professional rugby league player,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to do that for 17 years and I’ve played with some great players past and present. I’ve lived my dream.

“Now it’s time to retire and I’m excited about the prospect of returning to Australia with my wife Mel and son Tana to start the next chapter in my life.”

Hull director of rugby Shaun McRae said: “As a coach, you only hope there can be more Tony Martins in your team.

“He is a passionate and knowledgeable guy when it comes to his rugby league, whether he is 17 or 33.”

Keighley Cougars coach Jason Demetriou is boosted by the return of Neil Cherryholme, Gavin Duffy and Paul March for tonight’s televised Championship fixture with Leigh Centurions.

York City Knights have secured Great Britain Community Lions Under-18 star Tyler Craig on a two year deal.

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