ANDREW Chalmers says the prospect of an extra automatic League One promotion spot this season will not cause Bulls to lose focus.

A report emerged yesterday that plans are being discussed to extend next year’s Championship from 12 to 14 teams. 

The changes would not have an immediate impact on Super League but the move is part of a general overhaul amid calls for the scrapping of the Super 8s in favour of a straight one-up, one-down system of promotion and relegation.

Bulls chairman Chalmers confirmed that having a second team going straight up from League One was one of ‘several scenarios mooted’ but insisted head coach John Kear and his squad will not be distracted by off-field developments. 

The RFL proposal would mean only one side being relegated from the second tier this season – and three going up from League One. 

As the table stands, the Bulls would be promoted automatically in second place alongside York with the teams third to sixth battling it out in the play-offs.

The idea needs voting through by the majority of member clubs and could be signed off by the end of next week – which would effectively leave Bradford needing only one win to virtually secure promotion.

However, Chalmers maintains that they are concentrating on winning their final four games and accepts they should earn the right to go up.

He said: “So far no changes have been approved by the RFL. 

“There has been several scenarios mooted, including one that would see the top two League One teams automatically promoted. 

“John Kear and the team will continue to approach the four remaining games in the same manner. That is to win all our games, starting with Keighley on September 2.”

While the proposal is understood to have been received favourably by Super League clubs, it is thought that is not the case among Championship and League One clubs, with objections to ending the Super 8s next year and concerns over central funding, among other issues, being factors why.

Chalmers did not wish to comment further but he has gone on record at saying any structural changes should not be rushed through.

In his T&A column last week, he wrote: "The point is to decide what you want the sport to look like in 10 years’ time, and build towards it. When you know what it is, go out and sell it.

"But whatever might happen, do not simply change the rules in isolation for the benefit of a handful of poorly-run Super League clubs.

"Such crucial decisions must be for the good of the entire sport. Whatever your point of view, one thing is certain. Change for 2019 even if desired is simply not doable."

Meanwhile, a statement from the RFL late last night said: "The Rugby Football League has been in regular discussions with all stakeholders in the professional game. This is part of the scheduled mid-term strategy review.

"It is the national governing body's role and responsibility to work collaboratively for the best outcomes for the whole sport.

"Work by the Rugby Football League includes liaison with representatives of Championship and League 1 clubs around the competition structure at these levels in the wider context of a range of other changes - all of which are focused on progressing the whole of the sport.

"It is important to note and respect that liaison with Championship and League 1 clubs on structure proposals remains live and is not yet concluded.

"A detailed announcement will be issued by the Rugby Football League Board when it is concluded."