GEOFF Toovey says the Bulls' hunt for new players extends to Australia after revealing that Dane Chisholm's season could be over.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's crunch Championship clash at Rochdale, the Bradford head coach insists that the club are leaving no stone unturned in their search for reinforcements – with targets being pursued in his homeland.

Fellow Aussie Chisholm, meanwhile, will have reconstructive surgery on his injured knee next week, after lasting just 60 minutes on his return to the club.

On the pursuit of new signings, Toovey said: "We're actively looking. I can't say too much but we're really in the market. Unfortunately so are many other clubs at this stage of the year.

"There's not too many players out there at the moment, and those that are good quality have been picked up already.

"It's tough to compete with the Super League clubs for that quality talent – and at this stage we need some quality.

"That search does include Australia but they're in the midst of a season as well, so obviously they need their players.

"But you can always pick up the odd one or two that have slipped through the cracks and that's what we'll be aiming to do.

"Bringing those reinforcements in would definitely boost our hopes of survival but hopefully we can win a few more games before that happens and give ourselves a chance."

News of Chisholm's surgery comes as a massive blow for Bulls, who re-signed the half-back for a sum thought to be £10,000 last month after a drawn-out dispute with Sheffield Eagles.

'Chizzy' produced a fine second debut, scoring a fantastic solo try against Hull KR at the Summer Bash but was forced to leave the field early.

Toovey added: "It's a bit devastating with Dane, after just 60 minutes of great football and a real nothing incident on a football field – he fell over a tackle and it looked harmless.

"But all of a sudden he's out, possibly for the year, so we'll see what happens there."