Bulls forced to abandon plans

Bradford Bulls' plans for the future are in tatters after the abandonment of plans to rebuild their ground at Odsal.

The club's partners in proposing to redevelop the site – Stirling Capitol and Tesco – have pulled out of a public inquiry into the scheme, which means it cannot now go ahead.

That leaves the Super League leaders with a long-term problem over where they will play. Their deal to rent Valley Parade expires at the end of this season and the identity of a new owner who could take Bradford City out of administration is still unknown.

The Bulls' other alternative would be to return to an unreconstructed Odsal, but even patching up the old stadium to bring it back to an acceptable standard would be dauntingly expensive. The club's spokesman, Stuart Duffy, said that Bradford were "obviously disappointed" and were considering their options.

Jason Robinson has returned to Wigan to help his old club's wingers in their fielding of kicks. The former rugby league international, such a success with Sale and England, has volunteered his services as a consultant.

Chris Thorman, the outstanding player in the Northern Ford Premiership this season, has been suspended for a month by his club, Huddersfield, after an off-the-field incident. "We have standards and rules within the club and Chris has failed to adhere to them," said the Giants' coach, Tony Smith.

Thorman, who is under contract to play for the London Broncos next season, has won two NFP player of the month awards so far this year. He will miss three matches, starting with tomorrow's against Chorley.

Halifax fear their full-back, Daryl Cardiss, could miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Cardiss is on the transfer list at The Shay and has been a target for Castleford.

Salford's Australian international, Michael Hancock, will be out for at least six weeks after dislocating his shoulder during last weekend's defeat at Castleford.