Bulls are struggling to find a new man

Noble had earmarked New Zealand Test loose forward Logan Swann as the man to plug the gap. But with that deal now dead after the 25-year-old agreed a two-year deal with the Auckland-based New Zealand Warriors, his options are limited.

"We were very close to getting Logan, and I was quietly confident we had him at one stage," said Noble. "But it appears he got an ultimatum from the Warriors. He seems to have panicked and signed for them.

"At this time of year there aren't too many players about of the quality we require. That was the problem with the timing of Brad's decision to retire.

"It was always going to create a problem when a player of his standing decides to leave, but by leaving it so late to make his mind up it created an added problem."

Noble is busy scouring the overseas market again, but with the majority of leading players already contracted by NRL or Super League clubs he seems unlikely to be spoilt for choice.

"It might be that we will consider someone on a short term deal for one season. That would mean we would have a spot available again this time next year and can plan ahead for that.

"Ideally I would like someone in for the start of the season but I will certainly not be wasting the club's money just for the sake of making up the numbers.

"We already have an extremely competitive squad in comparison with last season when we were without Bernard Dwyer and Neil Harmon for most of the campaign.

"In addition Mike Forshaw has a lot of experience in the loose forward position while Daniel Gartner, Shane Rigon and Lee Gilmour have all added to our back-row strength.

"In addition we have someone like Lee Radford who is absolutely busting for an opportunity and if he were to perform at the top level he would get a shirt. The team will be selected on merit not reputations."

The Bulls office at Odsal will be open between 10.00am and 2.00pm tomorrow but will be closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.