The Bulls are fighting to stay in existence as they try to pay off debts of £1million, and will announce on Saturday whether or not they have raised the initial £500,000 they need to stave off the tax man and foot their players' wages for April.

The signs are that enough money has been pledged from supporters and well-wishers to meet that target and stave off the immediate threat of administration, but chairman Peter Hood has admitted they need another £500,000 before the end of April to ensure survival.

As a result, 1eagu3, who represent a large percentage of the Super League's players and of which the Bulls are a constituent member, have joined the All Party Parliamentary RL Group in asking RBS to extend the club's overdraft facility in order to give them some breathing space.

Distress

In a letter made public by 1eagu3's chief executive officer Ernie Benbow, the association say to the bank: "It was with great distress that we read of the RBS decision to reduce the Bradford Bulls' overdraft facility.

"As you will no doubt be aware, the reduction in this facility places the club in a perilous position which has implications not only for our members but the fan base, the citizens of Bradford and the sport of rugby league.

"If the Bradford Bulls do not survive their current predicament it will affect not only the employment of our members and the other Bulls employees but the very soul of the Bradford community will be ripped out; the Bradford heartbeat will stop."

In a final plea to the bank, the association asked: "We wish to join our All Party Parliamentary rugby league colleagues in urging the RBS to extend its overdraft facility to the Bradford club to allow the Bradford club the time it needs to ensure its immediate future leading to a sustainable, financially sound, positive and successful future thus securing its rightful place at the heart of the Bradford community."