Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley claims that the decision to bar star player Henry Paul from playing for New Zealand in June was taken out of the club's hands.

The Kiwi ace, out of contract at the end of the season, stoked up the controversy over the refusal to release British-based Kiwis for the June 10 Test against France by saying it could sway his decision on whether to accept a new deal.

"If they don't release me it will be a factor when I come to making my decision," he said. "I will hold it against the club."

But Caisley retorted: "We have never prevented anybody from playing for their country.

"The decision not to call on British-based players for the Test against France was made by the Internat-ional Federation last November, and supported at the time by New Zealand."

The 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is considering a move to Australia's crack NRL and is also said to be on the wanted list of England rugby union coach Clive Woodward.

Paul and younger brother Robbie, the Bulls skipper, look certain to be called up by new Kiwi national coach Gary Frean for the July Test against Australia - along with team-mate Joe Vagana, Leeds centre Tonie Carroll and London full back Richie Barnett.

Loose forward Mike Forshaw and centre Scott Naylor have both been under treatment for injuries, but have been named in Bulls' squad for Sunday's match at Huddersfield Giants.