Bradford Bulls fans' status as the best in Super League is being hammered home this season.

Around 4,000 made the 2-hour journey to Gateshead Thunder on Sunday to give the newcomers their best crowd so far. And the travelling supporters won special praise from Gateshead officials.

At the post match reception the Thunder chief executive, Shane Richardson, said: "The Bulls' spectators are unique in the world of rugby league.

"I have been involved in Sydney for many years and, although rugby league is the major sport there, believe me there are no fans like the Bulls'. I feel that every club should be striving to achieve what Bradford has done over the last four years of Super League."

Sunday's turnout means the Bulls have provided the record crowd at ten Super League clubs since the launch of the competition in 1996.

The impressive figures are: Castleford 10,122 (1999), Sheffield 10,603 (1997), Warrington 7,591 (1999), Halifax 7,566 (1998), Leeds 19,137 (1997), Oldham 10,603 (1997), Huddersfield 12,417 (1998), Salford 8,294 (1997), Hull 9,477 (1998) and Gateshead Thunder 6,631 (1999).

Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy said: "We are delighted that once again we have provided the record gate at a club.

"That is the third time this season that the magnificent Bulls have contributed so much to the gameday experience at other clubs.

"They are without doubt the most loyal and committed supporters in the game and they are the envy of every Super League club."

Now the Bulls are hoping they will really feel the benefit with a bumper attendance for Sunday's visit of reigning champions Wigan Warriors.

So far this season they have been hit badly by the weather but are confident they will pass the 15,000 figure for only the second time this season.

Their best crowd so far was the 16,049 for the derby clash with Leeds on April 1.

lSalford Reds today named John Harvey as their new coach.

The 44-year-old Australian will arrive at The Willows when Salford receive work permit clearance.

Harvey will take over until the end of the season after Andy Gregory parted company with the Super League strugglers.

The ex-Australian Test prop played 175 first grade matches for Manly and Eastern Suburbs and has also been coach at Gold Coast.

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