Leeds can bankrupt us, claim Bradford

On the eve of a new season, Bradford chairman Peter Hood has revealed that Leeds are suing the Bulls for £3.2million in the ongoing saga over Iestyn Harris's return from rugby union four years ago.

Great Britain half back Harris, who had left Leeds three years earlier to play union for Cardiff and Wales, had been expected to rejoin the Rhinos. Instead, he signed a four-year deal with Bradford and the clubs have been at loggerheads ever since.

Leeds, who claimed they had an agreement with Harris to re-sign him if he returned to league, want compensation for the loss of a transfer fee, merchandising and ticket sales.

Three years ago a High Court judge found Harris guilty of not honouring his agreement with Leeds and also ruled that Bradford had induced him to break his contract.

Now, after both clubs have spent in excess of £500,000 on legal fees, Bradford are steeling themselves for a showdown in the High Court. Hood said: 'We expect to go to court and win and even if we don't, we don't believe Leeds will be able to claim such damages. It is a daft claim, a nonsense.

'Our legal team says we should prepare for a seven-day trial in the High Court next year, which would be horrendous to contemplate because of the costs and litigation risk. It would threaten the future of the club because if we had to pay £3.2m within 14 days, we couldn't do it. We are not Manchester United. We don't have that sort of money sitting in the bank. The only thing that could stop this case is if the claimant, Leeds, chose to stop it.'

Leeds are in no mood to withdraw their claim. Chief executive Gary Hetherington said: 'While the matter is going through the legal process, we cannot comment other than to say we are expecting developments in the not too distant future.'

Harris, 31, has instigated action against the legal team who represented him, claiming he was advised that his agreement with Leeds was not binding.

Leeds, who have won two Grand Finals since Harris resumed his league career, begin the defence of their title at home to Hull KR on Saturday and were given a boost yesterday when Great Britain skipper Jamie Peacock agreed a new three-year deal.