ROHAN Smith believes a new Bradford Bulls have to do more than “just exist”.

The former head coach and players are waiting to hear more details after the RFL announced that a deal had been agreed on Friday.

The identity of the successful consortium will be officially revealed in the next few days but it is understood to involve former New Zealand Rugby League chairman Andrew Chalmers and former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe.

Chalmers registered the company Bradford Bulls 2017 Limited with Companies House on the same day the governing body made their decision.

Smith is calling for new owners to provide “a clear direction” as the club prepare to start again with a 12-point penalty in the Championship.

He said: “If you are a fan of rugby league, not just of Bradford but the greater community of the sport, you’re really pulling for this to have a positive resolution.

“Definitely for people supporting Bradford Bulls or further back Bradford Northern, everybody wants a resolution – and not just a club to exist but strong ownership to lead it back.

“You need a clear direction and clear pathway towards thriving again.

“It’s going to take time and nobody is expecting it to happen rapidly.

“But Bradford as a rugby league existence isn’t about survival. It’s about more than that.

“I hope the new ownership aligns with that.”

Kieren Moss became the latest departure in a growing list when his move to Hull KR was confirmed at the weekend.

He follows the likes of Adam Sidlow, Kris Welham, James Clare, Adam O’Brien, Alex Mellor, Tom Olbison and Jason Walton to new clubs.

And Leon Pryce has warned that others may follow the longer this scenario drags on.

Smith will not discuss the players who have moved on. But he is full of praise for the way the squad have carried on through pre-season despite being kept in the dark about developments.

He added: “The boys have done a fantastic job for over two months now.

“I’ve been in the same situation as the players and we’ve not been given any clarity.

“I think there have been nine or ten deadlines that have been placed on the club. They come and go and you don’t read too much into the dates.

“We have had eight weeks of this situation but the players have kept going and knuckled down to keep training.

“That’s part of what makes rugby league players so resolute that they can overcome these things.”