Bradford Bulls boss Matthew Elliott finally snapped last night after watching his fading champions slump to their ninth defeat of the Super League campaign.

Elliott, who has still not signed a proposed two-year extension to his contract which runs out at the end of the season, has often sprung to the defence of his players even in the most trying of circumstances.

But his charges were in the firing line after last night's 25-12 derby defeat by Halifax at the Shay as he barked: "I am unhappy.

"We looked like a bunch of strangers. I've had a gutful of taking the heat out of it for them but I'm not going to resign. I'm tougher than that."

At that point Elliott stormed out of the press conference and slammed the door behind him.

The defeat leaves the Bulls under serious threat of losing their top five berth and a place in the end of season play-offs.

London Broncos, inspired by Shaun Edwards, are only two points in arrears following their 20-8 win over Huddersfield and the issue could well be decided when the sides clash at the Stoop on Sunday, September 6.

The match has now been chosen for live coverage by Sky Sports and will kick off at 7.05pm.

Sheffield Eagles are also only two points behind the Bulls despite a disappointing 18-18 draw with Salford on Friday night.

Meanwhile the Bulls have admitted interest in former Leeds and Widnes prop Harvey Howard who has been playing in Australia recently.

Elliott has had initial talks with Howard but it appears nothing definite has been decided.

The powerful forward may be available almost immediately after his club Wests played their last match of the season Down Under yesterday.

Wests are discussing a possible merger with Canterbury for next season and Howard has an opt out clause should it go ahead.

The Bulls Academy side suffered their most disappointing defeat of the season when they went down 16-15 at Widnes.

Steve Thomas, Leon Pryce and new signing Mark Coates got the Bulls tries with Paul Sykes landing a goal and a drop goal.

Meanwhile ex-Keighley Cougars coach Peter Roe could return to the game in a new coaching partnership with Alex Murphy.

Widnes Vikings chairman Tony Chambers today confirmed that Roe had applied for the coaching post with Murphy keen on a role as football director.

Widnes are looking for a replacement for sacked boss Graeme West and former Wigan and St Helens boss Murphy said: "The idea appeals to me.

"It's a tragedy how Widnes' fortunes have slipped since their glory days of the 80s and I like to think I could help them get back to the top."

Widnes have received eight applications for the job with Colin Whitfield in temporary charge until the end of the season.

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