Lulia could switch to Leeds after seeing out Bulls deal

His club yesterday firmly rejected a surprise bid from their West Yorkshire rivals for the Cook Islands international.

After the trauma of this year’s administration, turning down the cash is a further positive sign from Bradford’s new owners that they are serious about not being a selling club.

Lulia, 25, has been impressed by Omar Khan’s new regime and the early signs of progress under incoming head coach Francis Cummins. But the player – who joined from Newcastle Knights on a two-year deal 12 months ago – admits being tempted by Leeds’s interest.

“When the club was going through administration (in June) and there was a chance it could go under, some players sorted out deals just in case it did happen,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

“Leeds did approach me then and showed interest but that’s the last thing I heard.

“I didn’t even know they’d been in touch now with this offer until our manager told me (yesterday).

“It would have been awesome to go play with one of the best teams in the league but I have another year’s contract here and I want to stay loyal with Bradford.

“It has been a tough season having been through that administration but I want to see my contract through here and not do anything dodgy.

“Maybe Leeds could be an option the year after.”

The World Club champions are seeking a new centre following the successful switch of Zak Hardaker to full-back.

But they have already failed in a attempt to lure Salford City Reds’ star Joel Moon and have now seen Bradford dismiss this bid for 11-try Lulia “out of hand.”

Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy said: “We have absolutely no intention whatsoever of letting our best players leave and were happy to decline the Rhinos’ offer.”

However, Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington insists there is no sense of urgency for his club to complete any deals.

“We’re searching for a player who can make a difference and that’s a difficult task,” he said.

“We have approached clubs both in Super League and the NRL and also looked at rugby union. But it’s inevitable clubs are going to rebuff approaches for their best players and, when you look at the strength in our team, there’s no desperation or frustration from us.”