BULLS have been dealt a major blow after five of their first team squad have left for the same Super League club.

Matt Storton, Rowan Milnes, Joe Keyes, Elliot Minchella and Academy player Anesu Mudoti have left Bradford to sign for Hull Kingston Rovers. But Milnes will return to Bulls on a season-long loan.

In a statement, Bulls said they had received a significant payment for the transfer of the five players.

As part of the deal, the Bulls will receive an undisclosed fee for these players and two Hull KR players will join Bulls on loan for the 2020 season, one of which will be Milnes. The second loanee will be announced in due course, the club confirmed.

Mark Sawyer, Bulls shareholder, said: “It’s always difficult when players leave your club who you don’t want to leave.

“They are going to Super League; we have had offers from clubs below Super League, but they have been turned down.

“It’s going to be a blow to supporters, but it now gives us the opportunity to begin recruiting heavily.

“We would like to thank Neil Hudgell, the Hull KR chairman, in making sure Bradford get recompensed fairly.”

Speaking on Milnes' return, Sawyer added: “It’s great that Rowan will be coming back to join us for 2020.

“He’s a Bradford lad and is wanting to support the cause at the club.”

Bradford-born Minchella will be returning to the Super League after a five-year absence, making his top-flight debut for Leeds Rhinos in 2013.

After spells with London Broncos and Sheffield Eagles, the second row signed for Bulls on an initial two-year deal in September 2017. At the end of the 2018 season, Minchella signed a three-year full-time deal with Bradford.

Minchella posted on social media: “My time at Bradford Bulls has come to an end. I’ve had a great two years playing for my hometown club.

“I’ve made friends for life and have nothing but good memories. Thanks to the boys, the staff and fans for the past two years and I wish everyone all the best.”

The departure of Ireland international Keyes will be a big blow to Bradford.

The now 24-year-old joined Bulls in 2016 on an initial two-and-a-half year contract, scoring 24 tries in 60 games, including eight tries in 10 games this season, for John Kear's side.

Keighley-born second row Storton, 20, made a number of impressive appearances for Bulls last season after making his debut in 2017.

Milnes, also 20, score three tries in 12 appearances for Bulls this year after making his debut in 2018, this included a starring role in Bulls' win over Leeds Rhinos in their Challenge Cup run this year.

They will join winger Ethan Ryan, who has already left Bradford for Hull KR earlier in the off-season.

Meanwhile, Jy Hitchcox's future at the Bulls remains in doubt.

He was not among the list of players contracted to the club for next season as named by John Kear at Wednesday's fans' forum.