News of the Rugby Football League snapping up the Odsal lease has thrown the cat among the pigeons.

Peter Hood insists it will be “business as usual” for the Bulls but the new arrangement is a strange one.

How often do you hear of a sport’s governing body taking control of the stadium of one of their flagship clubs?

Hood immediately denied it was a case of the RFL propping them up and played down fears about the Bulls’ finances. But, on the face of it, the deal leaves plenty of unanswered questions.

For one thing, who’s going to stump up for the stadium repairs now – the landlord or the tenant?

If there is no conflict of interests, as has been keenly pointed out, then where do the RFL fit in exactly?

Maybe they have plans to relocate some of their operation to the top of the M606. Perhaps a rugby league academy or such like could be on the cards.

Otherwise, you can see other clubs – those who have been knocking on the shut door of the Super League – wondering if this is evidence of a perceived closed-shop mentality.

The approaching Bulls fans’ forum should make fascinating listening.

A lot more needs to be said about this unusual marriage.