STEVE Ferres reckons Charlie Martin has "put himself in the shop window" following his trial spell as the Bulls weigh up a decision on his future.

The former Castleford player linked up with Jimmy Lowes' squad at the beginning of last month and took two weeks off work to pursue his dream of a return to full-time rugby league.

The 22-year-old centre or second-rower came off the bench against Leeds in Jamie Peacock's testimonial at Headingley and expects to be told early this week whether he will be offered a contract.

The trial came about after Martin contacted Bulls managing director Ferres, who he knew from their time together at Wheldon Road.

Ferres said: "Jimmy was obviously away with the squad at the British Army camp last week, but now he is back we will sit down and have a chat about Charlie.

"Jimmy has been pleased with how Charlie has done in training and he performed okay with the minutes he got at Leeds.

"We have probably got up to eight options for the back-row positions, so it certainly isn't an area where we are short.

"Therefore we've got to make sure that the decision is right for Charlie and right for the club – but he's certainly put himself in the shop window."

Wakefield lad Martin was handed his Super League debut for Castleford in 2013 and made six appearances for them that year.

After spells on loan at the Cougars and Featherstone, he left Wheldon Road in March 2014 and then, following a stint with Batley, Martin joined rugby union outfit Huddersfield last autumn.

But his heart lies in rugby league and he is waiting nervously to discover his fate.

Ferres reckons Martin will benefit from being in a full-time rugby environment again, whether that be at Bradford or elsewhere.

The former Castleford chief executive said: "When I was at Castleford, we got Charlie sorted out and got him playing. He looked to have some potential but he didn't figure in the coach's (Daryl Powell) plans, so he moved on.

"He's one of those kids who really needs a full-time training environment to bring out the best in him. Now he's got that, then the kid has got an opportunity I believe, whether that be with us or whoever else.

"It's the sort of environment he needs to be in and if he can get into that full-time setting, then I still think he's got a chance of doing well in the game."