Haven chairman Tom Todd believes Bradford Bulls’ liquidation has left the Rugby Football League in “uncharted waters”.

The former Super League champions went out of business on Tuesday after the club’s administrator rejected a bid to save the club.

But the RFL confirmed a new Bradford side could compete in the Championship next season, preventing Haven, who finished in the final relegation berth, from returning to the second division.

Todd said: “It’s always sad to see a great club brought down to its knees. We’re in uncharted waters, it’s unique for the Rugby Football League to ask for someone to come forward and start a club.”

A new Bradford team would start the season with a 12-point deduction and would receive the lowest amount of funding of all the Championship teams.

“A new club, having to play at Odsal which is expensive to rent and maintain for any club and with a 12-point deduction, is going to need a consortium with a large amount of money,” said Todd.

“Had Bradford had the points deducted earlier they could have gone down instead of us. But without knowing an exact timeline you’re just stabbing in the dark.”

And Todd admitted his preferred solution would have been for Haven to take Bradford’s place next season.

“I’d obviously have preferred Whitehaven to go back up,” he said. “If that was an option it would be great and with the increased funding we’d be able to strengthen the team further. It’s just one of them things you have to live with.”

Talks took place over the weekend to try to save the Bulls, who have been in administration since November 14. Players and support staff were told of the decision in a meeting at Odsal on Tuesday.

But there was better news for Haven this week as new signing Paul Crook was named League Express readers’ League One player of the year for last season. The experienced half-back took 27.5 per cent of the vote after helping Rochdale gain promotion in 2016.

He said: “I knew I’d had a good season but I’ve had good seasons before and not had the recognition. It’s always nice to be recognised.

“There’s some great players in that league, whether it’s just not worked out full time or they’ve got well paid jobs so stay part time. I’m a teacher so rugby league is a good hobby for me.”

And Crook will be looking to pass on his knowledge of League One at the Recreation Ground.

“I’ll always give a helping hand,” he said. “It’s within my nature being a teacher and being captain of Rochdale for a few years. I’ve always tried to control the game and talk to people.

“All the lads have been great and helped me settle in, we’ve got a top quality squad and training has been very tough.”

Haven held their annual £5,000 Christmas draw with the winner being Mrs Woodend, who hopes to spend the money on a holiday.

She said: “I have been in the sweep a good while now and it’s a great way to help the club and thus help the whole area, and of course if you don’t buy a ticket you can’t win a prize. I wish the club all the best for the 2017 season.”

This week’s Pride of Five £100 winners: 2615 K Henderson, 1192 Mrs Dawson, 2156 D Thomason, 2114 Mr Conway. £20: 165 J Park, 2099 Mrs Hall, 2489 Mr Harris, 202 Miss Fretter, 2070 A Sanderson.

November Blue Club winners: £500 T McCann, £250 M Rothery, £100 L Grundill, £50 D Mckeown, £50 W Walker, £50 A Wier.