Rugby League: Bulls on collision course

Super League leaders Bradford Bulls are on a collision course with the Rugby Football League after announcing they will put club before country later this year.

The Bulls say they intend to field a full-strength side against the touring Australians at Valley Parade on Sunday October 28, even though Great Britain play France in a Test match two days earlier.

Originally, it was thought Great Britain would have first call on the Bradford players for their clash with the French in Agen, which has been arranged as preparation for the Ashes Series. The Bulls currently have seven players in the 34-strong squad.

Leeds, too, are expected to be without their Test stars for their tour game against the Kangaroos, which is three days before the French game, but St Helens and Wigan will be able to put out full-strength teams because there is no clash with their matches on October 20 and November 11.

The RFL had no comment to make on yesterday’s announcement but the dispute could put a strain on the closer relationship that has been developed between the game’s governing body and Super League clubs.