BULLS have missed out on the chance of playing in Super League next season, after an independent panel chose Leigh as the team to take Toronto Wolfpack's spot.

Bulls were one of six teams in the running to take the 12th and final space in the top flight next season, alongside Leigh, Toulouse, London Broncos, York and Featherstone, but it is the Centurions who won the race.

Bradford were always outsiders, given that they were only in League One two years ago and only finished sixth in the Championship in 2019.

But they fitted all the relevant criteria, and with that including things like a look at the head coach's CV and a look at the size and reach of the club's fanbase, it suddenly seemed as if they had a great chance.

Sadly, that did not come to pass, but it is likely not to come as a huge disappointment to the club, with John Kear only saying on Friday that regardless of the result, he was pleased that the club had been able to have a thorough evaluation as part of the application process.

All of this means Bulls' competitive season now won't be getting underway until March, in the 1895 Cup, while the Championship is set to begin on Easter Weekend (April 2-5).

And sadly for the fans, if and when they are allowed back in, that means trips to the likes of Oldham, Newcastle and York, rather than heavyweights like Leeds, Wigan and St Helens.

But with Bulls adding some real quality to the playing squad during the coronavirus pandemic, including the likes of Super League stalwart Danny Brough, they will be hoping for promotion via the traditional route next season.