Bradford Bulls are ready to rally around the family of former Great Britain forward Roy Powell who collapsed and died during a training session with his new club Rochdale Hornets on Sunday.

Powell, 33, who had 31/2 years at Odsal and spells with Leeds, Featherstone and Batley, leaves a widow and two young children.

Bulls chairman Chris Caisley said: "We are devastated. Roy was a superb servant at Odsal and was one of the most popular players ever to play for the club and a perfect gentleman. His death will be felt throughout the game but particularly in Bradford.

"I remember when Peter Fox came back for his second spell and we were in severe danger of being relegated he said Roy was the man he needed most. We somehow managed to scrape the money together to prise him away from Leeds and it proved money well spent.

"The directors, players, staff and supporters of the club send our deepest sympathy to Roy's widow and his family.

"We will be discussing his death at our board meeting this week and we will do all that we can to assist Roy's family in their hour of need."

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