Maurice Lindsay is determined to defend the status quo

Both chairman Maurice Lindsay and major shareholder David Whelan have vowed to support the Bulls in their fight.

"Why should we be trying to invest less when all the signs are that we should be investing more in players and player production?" said Lindsay.

"We hope that other ambitious clubs will support us," said Whelan.

Bradford chairman Chris Caisley welcomed the intervention of his Wigan counterpart and re-iterated his willingness to resort to legal action if necessary.

"I think Wigan and ourselves have certain things in common," he said.

nder the Rugby Football Union's five-year plan, there was an intention to come and raid rugby league and that hasn't gone away Chris Caisley Bradford Bulls chairman

"We're competitors on the field but we both believe in quality and trying to achieve the very highest standards.

"The salary cap in my view is a restraint of trade and anti-competitive and we will do whatever we have to do to protect our business."

Caisley broadened also warned of the continuing dangers posed by rugby union.

"We want to get to the stage where our sports stars are paid as much as we can reasonably afford and as much as other competing sports.