Relieved Simon Finnigan is contemplating re-signing for the Bulls after winning a landmark case that removes him from their overseas quota.

The tough-tackling second-row feared being squeezed out when the new home-grown player rule is introduced next year.

Despite being born in England, Finnigan emigrated to Australia with his parents when he was four before returning aged 21 and was classed as a non-federation player.

He threatened to take the RFL to court if his plea failed, knowing Bradford’s offer of a fresh deal only stood if he came off-quota.

However, with the help of former Bulls chairman Chris Caisley in his role as a sport lawyer, Finnigan has now gained exemption from the rule, paving the way for the former Widnes ace to possibly extend his stay at Odsal.

“It’s been a long process that’s been too-ing and fro-ing for over a month now but it’s great to get it sorted,” he said.

“Chris Caisley took it on and he’s been outstanding but I was shocked to even have been in this position.

“Common sense says I’m English when I was born over here to two English parents.

“I grew up in Australia but most of my rugby league career has been spent back in England as well.”

Under the new rules, designed to increase the number of players eligible for the national team, Super League clubs will be allowed a maximum of eight overseas players in their 25-man squads.

But Finnigan’s case proved a grey area and he said: “I understand the RFL’s reasons and in theory it’s fantastic what they are doing for the English game.

“But I don’t think it’s been wholly thought through.

“There’ll be others who could have suffered like myself and there was no common sense applied.

“Hopefully they’ll review the system now because people like Andrew Henderson at Cas are in a similar situation.”

Now Finnigan, 26, is looking forward to doing his talking on the pitch when Hull FC arrive at the Grattan Stadium on Sunday.

He has impressed following his move from Salford last winter and hasn’t missed a game since the opening weekend of Super League.

“I want to stay and I love it here at Bradford,” he said. “There is an offer on the table – we’ll look at it and then see.

"I’ve been pretty happy with my form. I don’t think I’ve had any shockers, although my discipline was poor at Saints last week, and it’s been a great move.

“But I’d be a lot happier if we started winning games again and that’s what we’re out to do against Hull.”

Meanwhile, Finnigan said he’s “working on” his English accent.

“I’ve not had much stick about it – that’s mainly coming from the Aussie players – but we need to get rid of them as they’re ruining our game!” he joked.

The Bulls will welcome back Sam Burgess, Andy Lynch and Terry Newton against Hull.