Shocked Brett Ferres admits he could not believe Bulls wanted to let him go and has slammed the club for pinning their faith in overseas players.

The young England second-rower has joined Wakefield as part of the deal that will eventually see Kiwi ace David Solomona arrive at Grattan Stadium.

Academy product Ferres, 20, was seen as an integral part of the Bulls pack for years to come having shone this season. But he was ditched to make way for Solomona and concedes he never saw it coming.

"I was really happy with how I'd gone and it never crossed my mind that I'd be moving on," Ferres explained.

"But Steve (McNamara) wanted Solomona and it seemed he would do anything to get him."

Ferres - who helped England lift the Federation Shield yesterday - added: "It's a quick fix for Bradford. They want to do well this season and Steve probably thinks Solomona will be able to do a better job than me.

"But I think they're buying too many overseas players now. We've got to start bringing English people through as if not we're going to get stuck at international level."

And the Castleford-born battler reckons his transfer won't send out a good message to the other Bulls youngsters he's leaving behind.

"What Bradford are doing might put others off," Ferres continued.

"I don't know what Craig Kopczak and Matt James must be thinking now, seeing me play all season, not really put a foot wrong and then be sold.

"Bradford have the power to get rid and replace them with a 29-year-old who's got a serious injury.

"Solomona is a brilliant player but you must wonder how much has he got left in the tank.

"Some people see it as a great move but I know why others don't. Only time will tell."

Solomona is rated one of the best creative forwards around but has just missed New Zealand's Tri-Nations campaign due to a major bicep problem.

Ferres continued: "I didn't think my name would be in the frame but then I heard Wakefield asked for me and a couple of others.

"Steve said it's my decision but Bradford couldn't guarantee me first-team football. I'd have to fight for my place.

"I'm not bothered about doing that as I'd done it all this season but would I fit in Steve's plans next year if Solomona was here? I'd have probably played a lot of under-21s rugby. That wouldn't have helped.

"I've had a good apprenticeship there though, they are a great bunch of lads, with good coaches and the fans are brilliant.

"But Steve has got to do what he thinks is best for Bradford and he thinks that is David Solomona."