ROBBIE Hunter-Paul last night left his role as chief executive as the Bulls destroyed Oldham 82-0 for their third successive Championship Shield victory.

The legendary former Bradford captain cleared his desk after the game as the Bulls released a short statement saying he was "taking time away from the club".

A recent family bereavement, coupled with the added responsibility of running the club in the wake of Steve Ferres' departure and chairman Marc Green's extended holiday, is understood to have put severe pressure on Hunter-Paul.

The Bulls have attributed his time away as compassionate leave but it remains to be seen if he will return to the role.

Hunter-Paul's exit follows the resignation of Jimmy Lowes as head coach in April before managing director Ferres quit after the Bulls failed to reach the top four. Stuart Duffy will serve as interim general manager.

The Bulls confirmed in a statement: "Bradford Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul is taking time away from the club.

"After a family bereavement, Hunter-Paul will be taking much needed time to invest in his family after a busy period for the club.

"Football manager and former media manager Stuart Duffy will serve as general manager while Hunter-Paul is away."

Head coach Rohan Smith paid glowing tribute to his players after yesterday's win, with Kris Welham scoring five tries as Joe Keyes and James Bentley impressed on their debut.

Smith said: "The clean sheet was definitely something we set out to accomplish. It was a commanding performance and we attacked well and defended well for the whole game.

"I like the way Joe Keyes went about his game – he kicked well and chased hard. It was a good start for the lad and I think he and Dane Chisholm will work well together."

Bentley made his debut off the bench and Smith said: "He competed well and there should be some opportunities for James in the coming weeks."

Steve Crossley marked his farewell appearance with a late conversion ahead of surgery that will end his season and time at the Bulls.

Smith said: "The players gave Steve a guard of honour because he's such a well-liked guy."