The Rugby Football League have announced that the Bradford Bulls have been deducted six points after falling into administration.
The penalty has been issued with immediate effect, which drops the Bulls from seventh to ninth in the table, beneath Huddersfield and Hull KR.
The blow could hamper their chances of reaching the crucial end-of-season playoffs as they prepare to take on Huddersfield and both Hull clubs, who are vying for the same spot.
The club has failed to claim a spot in the playoffs in the last three campaigns.