The Bulls were expected to announce on Saturday morning whether or not they had reached the £500,000 target they initially need to pay off a tax bill and cover their players' wages for April.

However, in a statement the club have confirmed that owing to the fact they are so close to their target - almost £480,000 has been raised so far - the deadline for donations has been put back to midnight on Monday.

"On behalf of Bradford Bulls I want to applaud all the fans, local businesses, other supporters and the rugby league community as a whole for their thousands of pledges of support," chairman Peter Hood said.

"It's been a humbling experience for all of us at the club, for which we'd like to express our sincere gratitude."

Bumper crowd

A crowd of 20,851 turned out at Odsal on Friday night as the Bulls beat local rivals Leeds 12-4 in their traditional Easter clash, with gate receipts pushing the club close to their intended target.

Hood added that with other donations still expected over the weekend the deadline had been extended, although should they reach their target, another £500,000 is still required by the end of April.

"I also want to thank everyone who was at Odsal Stadium last night for their contribution to a wonderful advertisement for the Stobart Super League," Hood said.

"Leeds Rhinos supporters turned out in force to cheer their team and, in doing so, lent their support to the Bulls' cause.

"With staff still processing pledges that have come in overnight, and are still coming in this morning, we are within reach of our first goal of £500,000 with the current total approaching £480,000.

"Many people have indicated they have yet to pledge. We have therefore decided to keep the pledge open until midnight on Monday."

The Bulls face Widnes on Monday, with the Vikings owner Steve O'Connor having donated 600 tickets for travelling fans, the proceeds of which will go direct to the Yorkshire side.

O'Connor also made a one-off donation of £10,000, while several former Bradford players, including England captain Jamie Peacock, have sold medals won during their time with the club to raise cash.