BULLS are hoping the Dane Chisholm deadlock is edging closer to being resolved.

The Aussie halfback remains at the centre of a wrangle between Bradford and Sheffield Eagles.

Bulls last week announced they had recaptured the 26-year-old, three months after he had not been offered a new deal to stay.

But straight away, Sheffield countered with a statement to say they had not sanctioned Chisholm’s release and he remains their player.

Chisholm was unable to feature over the Easter programme because of the impasse.

In these situations, the RFL tend to wait for the two clubs to try and reach a compromise between themselves before stepping in.

But it is understood the governing body have spoken with both sides, although they declined to comment publicly.

Sheffield had accused the Bulls of making an “illegal approach” for Chisholm. They also revealed that he was subject to ongoing disciplinary issues.

With eight days to go until the next game at Toulouse, it is still unclear whether he will be able to resume his career as a Bull by then.

It is yet more uncertainty for the club who remain four points adrift at the foot of the Championship on minus two.

The delay regarding Geoff Toovey’s position continues to be the most damaging to their survival hopes.

Operations director Russ McFarlane confirmed at the start of last week that the border licence application for the coach had been lodged.

But there is still no official indication when his visa to work in England will be granted – something the Bulls had hoped to announce relatively swiftly once that stage had been cleared.

James Mendeika expects to return for next week’s trip to the south of France and forward Colton Roche has an outside chance. He is recovering from a small break in his hand but had wanted to play in Monday’s defeat at Featherstone.

Jordan Lilley, Sam Hallas and Mikolaj Oledzki are all in the Leeds Rhinos' 19-man squad to face Doncaster in the Challenge Cup tonight.

Bulls will be hoping to have their loan options available again after the weekend.