ROHAN Smith insists it remains business as usual for the Bulls as Odsal staff were set to be paid on time.

There are no issues anticipated with this month's wages, which are due today, while administrators Gary Pettit and Gavin Bates continue to narrow the field of prospective buyers for the cash-hit club.

Staff have been told to carry on as normal. Season tickets are on sale for the new Championship campaign and the club shop is open.

Smith believes the atmosphere around the training ground at Tong has been unhindered by any financial uncertainty surrounding the club's third administration in five years.

"Our players are concentrating on what they can, which is preparing for the season ahead," Smith told the T&A.

"It's going to be a tough year but the players are excited. They are a new group, they're working hard together and enjoying each other's company.

"It's an individual thing but I try to set the (positive) atmosphere. I can only control certain things as a coach but I do my best to create that every day I come in.

"Hopefully that rubs off on the players and they have been faultless in the first couple of weeks as far as their application and their effort towards what we're throwing at them."

Pettit has shown several interested parties around the club during the period of due diligence and is making confident noises about progress being made.

Smith has been kept in the loop but is happy to focus on the rugby side while the administrators look to do the best deal. Pettit has revealed there are three main parties in the running.

The Bulls coach said: "I've had several conversations with Gary but he's had a lot of work to do. We'll chat when needed but at the moment Gary's doing his job and I'm doing mine.

"I don't know where things are at currently. We're just worrying about what we're doing but hopefully soon there will be some good news and solidarity so the fans and everyone can get excited about the season ahead.

"I'm honest with the players when I get the opportunity but at this point I'm worried about my job and that's all that matters.

"I'm sure there's been a little bit of banter around the traps. At times there's been the odd question.

"But I'm putting my work into preparing these guys for the season ahead and they're grabbing hold of everything at the moment and having a crack."

Two pre-season friendlies have so far been confirmed, at Batley on January 15 and Keighley a fortnight later. Another away game is planned for the Sunday in between.

Meanwhile, Leigh Beattie's under-19s will kick off their academy campaign at Wakefield on February 11.