BRADFORD Bulls travel to Cumbria to face Whitehaven tomorrow, but their opponents are currently consumed by much bigger worries than trying to topple the Betfred League One leaders.

The club announced earlier this month that they are struggling with grave financial problems, and need £60,000 just to complete the current season.

Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd confirmed why the club are in such dire straits, saying: “This is due to the loss of our main sponsor and lack of other significant sponsors over the last two years.

“Coupled to this have been rising costs, falling attendances and more than a 50 per cent drop in central distribution from the RFL. Clearly this cannot continue.”

These concerns have led to a quick response. The club launched an appeal last Wednesday and have now raised funds of around £45,000.

Other financial steps that the club have taken include asking fans and sponsors to donate £250 in return for a season ticket, which will last from now until the end of next season, and a reduction in ticket prices.

The latter measure means that Bulls and Whitehaven fans alike can attend tomorrow's clash for just £10 (adults/concessions) and £5 (children).

Businessman Stuart Harvey could prove integral to Whitehaven's survival. Along with the club's current board of directors, he has signed a letter of intent, and hopes to implement a three-year plan to strengthen the Cumbrian side.

Harvey's consortium have already helped to launch a new club website as well as engineering a kit deal to provide players with new training gear.

If the survival plans are a success, Whitehaven could receive a boost on the pitch. Subject to financial targets being met, they have agreed a deal with Serbian rugby league side Red Star Belgrade.

Harvey believes it will create a pathway for elite Serbian players to come to Cumbria and work with their academy structure from 2019 and vice versa.

Red Star hope to develop the relationship with Whitehaven at all levels, through business, marketing, coaching and player development.

Whitehaven sit eighth with seven wins and five defeats after an inconsistent season in League One. This was highlighted by two successive home games last month.

They suffered a dreadful reverse at the hands of lowly North Wales Crusaders, before a shock win over high-flying York just three weeks later. Which of these sides will turn up against Bulls tomorrow?