Bradford Bulls were remaining tight-lipped today over speculation that they had signed Australian Nick Zisti.

The 26-year-old Cronulla Sharks centre was also linked with the Bulls two years ago when Brian Smith was coach.

However, Stuart Duffy - media manager at Odsal - said today: "We can neither confirm nor deny that Zisti has been approached.

"He has also been linked with a move to the Cardiff consortium that are seeking a Super League franchise.

"And because we have two players coming off the overseas quota before the start of next season - Tevita Vaikona and Robbie Paul - and people know we have been speaking to players in Australia, they are just putting two and two together."

Zisti's manager Greg Keenan has been quoted as saying: "Nick was offered a three-year deal by Bradford, and sees the deal as providing him with long-term security.

"His current form is good and the Bulls are getting a player who will go well over there."

The story also mentions that the Sharks could not match the money Bulls are offering.

Zisti is a former Souths junior who made his first-grade debut with the Rabbitohs in 1991.

After three seasons with Souths, he joined St George in 1994, and played in the Dragons' 1996 Grand Final team.

Last season he was with the Hunter Mariners, and when they folded he joined the Sharks.

As well as Zisti, there is further speculation in Sydney about Mal Reilly - currently coaching Newcastle Knights - joining Bulls next season as director of coaching above Matthew Elliott.

Reilly helped the rumours along by stating that he has had talks with an unnamed English club.

And sources at New-castle Knights suggest that Bradford Bulls were the club concerned.

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