FORMER Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine has expressed an interest in the Bulls, the Telegraph & Argus understands.

Irvine is believed to be connected to one of the preferred bidders looking to buy the club and has been shown round Odsal by joint-administrator Gary Pettit.

Currently head of commercial activities at Wycombe Wanderers, he made his name in his native Australia for turning round the financial fortunes of the Sharks in the NRL.

Irvine spent four years in charge before relocating to England in 2014 to take up the role of commercial executive with Notts County. He moved to fellow League Two football club Wycombe in July last year but remains a rugby league consultant.

Irvine is thought to be the face of an unknown consortium hoping to take over the administration-hit Bulls. He is a big advocate of supporter involvement.

There have also been rumours involving Wasps owner Derek Richardson and former Odsal chairman Chris Caisley and board members from that era.

Former Bradford City joint-owner Mark Lawn ruled himself out of the running after Julian Rhodes made it clear he had no intention of reviving the partnership that ran for the last nine years at Valley Parade.

London-based businessman Richard Lamb, chief executive of union side Rotherham Titans, does remain keen after an unsuccessful attempt to take over during the Bulls' last spell in administration in 2014.

Mandy Koukash, wife of Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash, is likely to be in the frame as well.

The Odsal staff received their full wages this week while the administrators continue the process of due diligence with prospective buyers.

Howard Roberts, solicitor for the joint-administrators, said: "It remains a priority to safeguard the Bulls' heritage and legacy.

"We agree whole-heartedly with the comment by one of the potential buyers, who suggested that the successful bidder will be a mere custodian of a great club for the city of Bradford."