MATT Ryan is waiting to discover if he will be offered a contract at the Bulls for next season's promotion assault.

The Australian back-rower joined Jimmy Lowes' squad in late July on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign after being released by Wakefield.

He is now a free agent again but is hoping to agree a contract that would see him return to Odsal for 2016.

"I'm heading back to Australia now for the off-season because I've not seen my family and friends in the past year and they come first," said Ryan.

"I'll speak to my manager back home and look to get things finalised – but I've really enjoyed being at Bradford and learned a lot in a short space of time.

"Jimmy is a great coach and has taught me plenty. I wish I could have had a bit longer there because I could have learned even more.

"But we'll see how things work out and hopefully I'll be back. It would certainly help getting to know the players a bit more during pre-season."

Ryan was surprisingly omitted from the side which suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the Million Pound Game at Wakefield on Saturday.

"It was disappointing I didn't get to play but the 17 guys who did are all great players and it's hard to get into that team," said the 27-year-old Aussie.

"The feeling will stay with us for a while and I'm looking forward to some relaxing time now because I don't think people understand how draining it is mentally as well as physically."

A series of meetings are due to take place tomorrow and Friday between Lowes and his players as they review the past season and plan for the 2016 campaign.

Meanwhile, Bulls club captain Chev Walker was formally recognised for his outstanding contribution to Super League at Monday night's Man of Steel dinner.

Retiring Super League players Garreth Carvell (293 appearances), Ade Gardner (266), Lee Gilmour (407), Wayne Godwin (235), Kylie Leuluai (225), Adrian Morley (316), Jamie Peacock MBE (436), Kevin Sinfield (452), Walker (258) and Paul Wellens (439) were all presented with Outstanding Contribution Awards to mark their long service to the competition having made over 200 Super League appearances.