Bradford Bulls' players have issued an unprecedented apology to their fans for the club's disappointing start to the season.

And the Super League champions - who slid to their third successive defeat on Sunday when they suffered a shock 11-10 reverse at Salford - have pledged to repay their supporters' loyalty.

The players called a meeting after the Salford defeat and agreed to issue a statement.

They are already eight points behind joint leaders Wigan and Leeds, but still have the highest average gate in Super League, 15,115.

The Bulls will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing recent run when they entertain Huddersfield Giants at Odsal on Sunday.

Former supporters club chairman John Tudor has welcomed the statement.

He said: "It is unprecedented but I am glad they have done it. The supporters, and particularly those who have watched Bradford over a period of years, have been looking at the club and thinking 'what is going on'.

"Personally, the season has been disappointing to me and I know a lot of people feel quite sad at the moment.

"We have done so much as a club and it has not been easy to progress so far to this level. People may see us as one season wonders but everyone at the club has been working towards this since 1989.

"The cynics among us will see the statement means nothing unless it is backed up by actions and I hope the players can do just that."

The Bulls are lying fifth in Super League with 12 points - three ahead of sixth-placed Warrington. The top five sides at the end of the season will qualify for the Grand Final competition with the winners being crowned Super League champions.

PLAYERS' STATEMENT:

"As a group of professionals we recognise that we have not produced the performances this season worthy of the tremendous loyal support that we receive from you each week.

"This is something that we are all aware of and has been at the centre of our conversations and thoughts.

"It is not our intention here to provide any lame excuses as to why this has occurred but rather to give our collective assurance that, for the remaining 11 matches up to the semi-finals, we will do everything humanly possible to restore the faith and pride that all concerned with this great club deserve."

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