ROHAN Smith admitted the first Bradford friendly had to be called off because they didn’t want to leave Batley “in the lurch”.

And next weekend’s scheduled visit to Huddersfield Giants for Luke Robinson’s testimonial is also in doubt until the club’s position becomes clearer.

Batley had hoped to host a “select” team made up of former Bulls players on Sunday and had agreed to give half the gate receipts to the squad and coaches.

But the plug was pulled on Wednesday with the visitors struggling to raise a full team – half a dozen have already found new clubs since liquidation was announced.

Smith said: “The decision was made in conjunction with key stake-holders in the process.

“We all thought that we didn’t want to leave Batley in the lurch and make a late decision, with so much uncertainty surrounding the club still and no clarity being given that a resolution will be done this week.

“Part of our thinking was to give Batley the chance to make their plans accordingly.

“They have been extremely generous and hospitable in dealing with us. Many thanks to (chief executive) Paul Harrison and Matt (Diskin) who I have been in contact with.

“Batley and other clubs have been in contact to lend a hand any way they can. Some don’t know how they can help but have still offered their assistance.

“Batley are obviously a local rival but it shows the camaraderie that exists and I’d like to think we would do the same in that situation.

“That’s how the Rugby League community operates and why we love being involved in this game.”

The RFL continue to run the rule over four bids to set up a new club. The governing body’s executive board could make a decision any time from today.

But as it stands, former head coach Smith is not too confident that the Huddersfield game will take place either.

He added: “No decision been made regarding that match. But unless there is some significant progress towards a resolution, that game is going to have to be in some doubt.

“I’ve come across Luke Robinson and he’s a fantastic character. He’s one of the toughest guys to play the game.

“At that size for as long as he did is a great tribute to him. That’s why I really hopes it goes ahead at it should but we just don’t know.

“It’s a very difficult situation for everyone. But we are still hopeful that there is going to be a Bradford club by the sounds of it.”