Stephen Coulby and Rowland Agar last night agreed to rejoin the Bulls’ board of directors as Chris Caisley began a strategic review of the crisis-torn club with immediate effect.

The extraordinary general meeting that was set for May 23 has been scrapped in the wake of Peter Hood and Andrew Bennett stepping down earlier this week.

Their exit paved the way for a group of majority shareholders, led by former chairman Caisley, to try to save the club from financial ruin.

Fans last month raised a remarkable £500,000 to stave off administration but that same amount is needed again as the club seek to meet further upcoming liabilities.

The group of majority shareholders, led by Caisley and Coulby who met Bulls chief executive Ryan Duckett in Leeds yesterday, remain determined to keep the club out of administration and said talks with potential investors had taken place.

A chartered accountant has been appointed to carry out an independent review of the Bulls’ monetary woes and Caisley, who is the club’s single largest shareholder, will also play a key role, although the extent of his involvement beyond the review remains unclear.

Duckett said of yesterday’s talks: “We had a positive meeting and have appointed a chartered accountant to carry out an independent financial review of the club’s finances.

“On the back of that we are in discussions with a number of potential investors and a professional sports investment consultant has also been asked to give assistance.

“Stephen Coulby and Rowland Agar have agreed to rejoin the board and former chairman Chris Caisley will provide expert consultancy services while he gives consideration to the extent to which he can commit himself to the club in the long term.”

Caisley added: “I will lead the strategic review covering all areas of the club’s business in the hope we can complete this as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the EGM that was fixed to take place on May 23 will no longer be required and shareholders will be officially notified in the course of the next few days.

“Pending completion of the strategic review and discussions with potential investors’ no further comment will be made.”

Meanwhile, former Bulls winger Gareth Raynor yesterday announced his retirement at the age of 34 after leaving Featherstone by mutual consent.