JIMMY Lowes has praised Mark Offerdahl’s honesty after the Bulls pulled the plug on his one-year deal.

The USA international front-rower was due to hook up with the rest of the squad for this week’s opening pre-season sessions at Odsal.

But the Manly Sea Eagles product was ruled out because of a recurring injury.

Lowes has no immediate plans to fill the vacancy on their overseas quota and the Bulls have retained Offerdahl’s registration.

The Bulls coach has been impressed that the 26-year-old was so up front with his problem.

Lowes said: “We’re disappointed because I think he’s a good player. He would have been good for us.

“But the door’s not completely shut on him. I like the fact that he’s been so honest with us.

“He’s rung up and said ‘look, this is where I’m at and this is what’s happened.’

“He told us what point his body was at and I like that.

“Some players might have kept it quiet and still come over. But Mark’s not been like that.

“We’ve kept the door open and see where we are at in terms of the squad next year.”

Lowes has brought his rebuilt squad back for three weeks of fitness work before they have another short break.

He said: “I’m very happy with the squad. We’ve had a good first week and I’m pleased with how it’s going.”

Lowes believes the increased fitness will be a decisive factor as the Bulls prepare for their first season in the second tier for 41 years.

“I think it should be. I would imagine that the teams who are full time will be at the top of the competition come the end of the year.”