Elliott Whitehead felt he had repaid his team-mates after the Bulls registered a close-fought 34-26 victory over Wakefield yesterday.

The homegrown second-rower was still grieving from the death of his father Terry just days earlier and a minute’s silence was held in his memory before kick-off.

Yet Whitehead’s second-minute try sent Mick Potter’s men on their way to an entertaining win which keeps their play-off hopes alive.

Whitehead, 22, said: “I wanted to play and felt I couldn’t let any of the lads down.

“They’ve been good with me for the last week and gave me all the support I needed.

“I just wanted to pay them back on the pitch because they’ve made things easier for me.”

The victory was the ideal way for the Bulls to gear up for one of the biggest weeks in their recent history as they bid to stave off administration.

Talks with potential investors will continue today as the club seek to raise the £1.2million they say is required to see out the season.

Yesterday’s success, which saw Keith Lulia score a fine double, was a tribute to the way Potter and his players have steadfastly refused to be distracted by the off-field turmoil.

Whitehead took a heavy blow during the second half but played on and earned a glowing tribute from his coach.

Potter said: “Elliott was keen to play after the funeral on Friday.

“I spoke to him on Saturday and he said he wanted to play. He said again on Sunday morning that he definitely wanted to play.

“I thought he had a really good game.”

Potter reported that Karl Pryce had sustained an ankle injury while fellow winger Shaun Ainscough took a knock to his knee.

Both men will be assessed ahead of Friday’s trip to Wigan as the Bulls await an outcome on their off-field troubles.