JY HITCHCOX could be on his way back to Odsal in the frantic reshuffle before rugby league’s transfer deadline.

The Australian winger scored two tries in three appearances during a month’s loan with the Bulls earlier in the season before being recalled by Castleford.

But his parent club will need to clear a space on their overseas quota to bring in Peter Mat’utia from Leigh.

The fire-sale at the cash-strapped Centurions has sparked major activity ahead of tomorrow’s 5pm cut-off point.

And the Bulls could benefit from the knock-on effect caused by the expected exodus at Leigh with Cas needing to create a quota spot for the sought-after Samoan international full back.

John Kear has continued to keep close tabs on Hitchcox since he went back to the Super League club, although the 28-year-old is currently recovering from a back injury.

Hitchcox suffered the problem against Wigan at the end of June and Castleford initially thought he could be out for the rest of the season.

But fears that he had snapped a vertebra in his spine proved unfounded and he should be fit to return to action in another three weeks. That could potentially make him available for the last five games of the Bulls’ promotion push.

Hitchcox had been in explosive form prior to the injury blow having scored 10 tries in his previous six outings – the sort of finishing power that the Bulls would love to reinforce their momentum down the home straight.

Kear has already lost Ashley Gibson and James Laithwaite for the season. Joe Keyes will miss Saturday’s trip to London Skolars with concussion and skipper Lee Smith is not back from his ankle injury.

The experienced coach will therefore be keen to beef up his numbers with possibly a couple of additions before the opportunity disappears.

“It’s a very busy time for agents, for coaches and anybody involved in clubs,” said the Bulls coach. “It seems more hectic this year but I think that’s because of the Leigh situation as well.

“But we’re working really hard to try to get people in.”