BRADFORD Bulls chief executive Mark Sawyer has confirmed to the T&A that the club are considering applying to make a shock return to Super League.

With Toronto Wolfpack being kicked out of the competition, a space has become available for 2021.

Eight teams look set to be in the running, Bulls, Featherstone, Halifax, Newcastle, Leigh, York, London and Toulouse, with Super League and the RFL having the final say on who gets that one coveted spot.

Sawyer said: "We've not thrown out hat into the ring just yet, as we're going to discuss it fully at a meeting on Friday, as we need to get clarification on things like funding.

"We should know where we're at on whether we'll apply to be in Super League by Monday."

The team chosen will be decided through the process of mini-licensing.

Asked what that entailed, rugby league commentator Mick Gledhill explained: "Mini-licensing is like franchising, where the RFL and Super League will looks at all the pros and cons of each team.

"So Bulls would score highly on things like their youth set-up, but poorly on their finances and the fact that they're not currently playing home games in Bradford.

"I'd expect Toulouse, London or Leigh would be the favourites to get chosen but you never know. We're still waiting on the RFL to release their criteria, and I get the impression clubs voting Toronto out earlier in the week has taken them by surprise.

"Mini-licensing doesn't mean it's only a temporary spot in Super League either. As long as they don't come bottom next season and get relegated, they'll stay in Super League."