Thinking about it, I wonder what adverse effect the Bulls situation would have on SLEs attempts to find a new sponsor?

The wider RFL family became even more estranged today, sad day.

Funding the running of the club from the date the bid is accepted and agreed, until the 30 November.

They are ensuring the club can see out the season, and providing breathing space for a new buyer to come along.

Why are they though?

It's not in their remit to do that

If they aren't kicked out at the end of the season it will be a farce

Because the prospect of the Bulls going bust would have greater financial implications to sponsors and, potentially, TV deals, than the cash involved in keeping them going? The SL clubs are not known for doing things other than purely for self-interest, especially not unanimously.

Indeed.

If they feel that it is in the best interests of SL(E) to do this then I'd say that was definitely in their "remit" though I've never seen anything to suggest what is or isn't in that anyway!

Funding the running of the club. Basically, paying the players wages. But that was already happening wasn't it?

I am pleased for Bradford and their supporters, but I feel that it's a dark day for the sport and question why the RFL have suddenly become so concerned over Bradford when other clubs have been left to go bust. Definitely a conflict of interest and blatant favouritism shown to a rival club. No other "professional" sport in the UK would have this.

No. The club had been advanced their cut of the Sky monies which paid last months wages and the administrator had said that unless the RFL helped out with the wages for this month, he'd have to fold the club.

Additionally, this gives the RFL the potential to earn some of their money back. The money they are having to put in anyway to see the bulls through the season (player wages, funding the trip to Catalan etc) could well be added on to the re-sale value that they expect from any new buyer.

You expect somebody to actually pay money to take over a failed rugby league club

people are saying that this is a stop gap, and a short term deal until somone buys Bradford.

Who is going to buy them?they have been for sale for over a month!

What happens if Bradford get the boot from SL at the end of the year? if they go into the Championship funded by SL will this be fair?! i think not.

never have i been more discrased at a decision made by our governing body.

I believe that the funding for the Bulls is to keep the integrity of this years competition. If subsequently we fall by the wayside I can see no more help.

What is the legal standing in this situation?

Nigel Wood, in his role with the RFL, has intimate knowledge of existing bids; he has used that knowledge to create a rival bid in his role with SLE.

Conflict of interest? Insider dealing??