If you happen to run into Ryan Hudson or Andy Lynch this Christmas, do the right thing and buy them a pint - and maybe a sandwich.

Having not been paid by former club Castleford Tigers since late October, the newly-recruited Bulls duo could do with the charity.

"We have not been paid since the 16th of October and we don't get paid until January 14 here. That's about three months," confirmed Lynch.

Hudson, Lynch and a group including overseas stars Craig Greenhill, Paul Mellor, Motu Tony and Mark Tookey are battling Castleford for six weeks unpaid wages after the club invoked a clause deeming players' contracts void following relegation.

The players and club are in dispute over when the clause comes into effect.

Standard player contracts lodged with the RFL expire on November 30, which is also the date used for determining revenue payments to clubs.

"We got paid on the 20th of October and a few of us realised we were short. The next day we got a letter saying what had happened, that the end of the season was the 16th of October," said Lynch. "They tried to explain to us where they are coming from but what I don't understand is that they are still receiving £66,000 a month in TV money. They are saying they can't afford to pay us, but where is that £66,000 going?"

On Monday an RFL tribunal will consider a complaint laid on behalf of most of the disaffected players, however Lynch and Hudson are pursuing the matter through the players' union, the GMB, who coincidentally are the Tigers' main sponsor.

Rugby league players are simply not in the same ball park as footballers when it comes to wages and the lack of a pay cheque has been difficult, said Lynch.

"I asked the question when we went in to see them: 'Who is going to pay our mortgages this month'?

"Bradford have helped me out, so I can't complain there. They have given me a little advance just to cover my mortgage.

"I have managed but I have been left short. Christmas is going to be on my girlfriend. She is going to end up paying for a lot of things. She will get a present though, I'll make sure of that."

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said the players' complaint was based on "wishful thinking".