The Bulls tonight claimed they have been left with no alternative but to take legal action against Garreth Carvell following his move to Hull FC.

The 32-year-old prop was today included in the Black and Whites’ 19-man squad to face Catalan Dragons on Friday night.

His contract at Hull has been registered with the Rugby Football League but Bradford claim  “this is a breach of contractual terms with the Bulls” and that the club are now taking legal action.

The contract dispute stems from the move into administration of OK Bulls Ltd on January 31.

A spokesperson for the club stated: “This information has come as a great surprise to all of us at the club.

“We believed that due to Garreth taking wages since last year and the fact that he still now has a club sponsored car we would be able to come to an understanding that would work out for all.

“We have now been left with no alternative but to take legal action.  

“A letter was sent to Carvell last week from the clubs HR specialist, ‘Elcons’ explaining that they did not accept his refusal to transfer to Bradford Bulls 2014 Ltd, adding that his playing contract will only allow him to resign if the club is guilty of serious and persistent breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement.

“We are of the opinion that no such breach has taken place and therefore we assert that he was not entitled to resign from his position as the transfer of his employment in itself does not constitute a serious or persistent breach of the terms and conditions of his agreement.

“The letter went on to explain the Agreement, which was entered into last year, is with “the Club” being referred to as “Bradford Bulls”.

“The change in ownership does not affect this Agreement given that Bradford Bulls remains as the "Club.“ The letter finished off by requesting that Carvell return to work/training immediately.

“The club’s board will now turn back to the governing body to request guidance in this matter as well as moving forward with their own legal action.

“The board in no way wants to restrict a player from plying their trade but this and recent situations like this, could set an extremely dangerous precedent in regards to player contracts and, if all parties are not made accountable, they be viewed as ‘not worth the paper they’re written on’. 

“Here at the Provident Stadium we will continue to focus on the opening game of the season this week against the Castleford Tigers.”