Bradford Bulls pay overdue wages to players and staff

Bradford Bulls have averted a crisis by meeting a self-imposed deadline to pay wages owed to their players.

Bulls chairman Marc Green flew back from holiday in midweek to address concerned players and staff after admitting the monthly wages had not been paid on time last week.

Green gave an assurance that the players would receive their wages on Friday and a club spokesman confirmed to Press Association Sport that the payment had taken place.

Bradford are reeling from their failure to reach the Super 8s Qualifiers, having finished outside the top four in the Championship.

This week they announced the resignation of managing director Steve Ferres and are facing a winding-up petition from HM Revenue and Customs over an unpaid tax bill, which they are contesting.

Green, who rescued the club from financial collapse in 2014, insists the club are not heading for a third spell in administration and assured staff of his continued commitment.

"He is exploring the many commercial options available to the club and is confident he will secure its short and long-term future," the spokesman said.

Bradford have experienced a dramatic decline since they were last crowned Super League champions in 2005 and will start their Championship Shield campaign against Whitehaven on Sunday.