Bulls boss Steve McNamara today explained his decisions to let second-row duo David Solomona and Matt Cook leave Odsal.

Former Kiwi international Solomona was unveiled as one of Warrington Wolves’ new 2010 signings on Monday, while Cook has taken up a two-year deal with Super League rivals Hull KR.

Solomona, 31, has endured a miserable campaign, having not played since injuring his shoulder at St Helens in April.

One of the club’s biggest recent signings when he arrived in a £100,000 transfer from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in 2006 – Brett Ferres going the other way – he has had a mixed spell at Grattan Stadium.

The talented second-rower has delivered flashes of his brilliance, notably a hat-trick performance in the play-off defeat against Wigan two years ago, but has struggled with shoulder problems and his contract was due to run out at the end of this campaign.

McNamara said: “I think Sol has shown some real flashes of genius in his performances for us.

“He’s been very unfortunate with his injury this year and that was one of the major reasons why we’ve had some tough times – some of our key players have been out injured.

“But there’s some business decisions to be made and a decision was made with Sol not to offer him a new contract.

“I’m really grateful that he’s picked up a new contract at Warrington and I’m sure he’ll be very good for them.”

There were fears Solomona might be forced into retiring after he badly dislocated his shoulder for a second time this year at Saints. He needed a major operation but is making progress and Wolves chief Tony Smith has given him a 12-month deal at Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Solomona leaves after 60 games, having scored 21 tries, while Cook is on his way after five years at the club.

Signed from Saracens RU, he progressed through the Bulls Academy before debuting in 2005.

He has made 70 appearances, including 57 off the bench, and scored six tries.

Cook, 22, who won the World Club Challenge with the Bulls three years ago, has only featured once in the last six games.

McNamara explained: “Matt was obviously looking for a new contract and we were looking at him but there was a bit of a difference in terms of valuation.

“He’s got himself a good deal at Hull KR and there was a valuation we weren’t prepared to meet.

“Also, with our young crop of players coming through, his chances have been limited in the second half of the season and we have cover there.

“But Matt’s a super kid, a good player and I’m sure he’ll be good again for Hull KR.”

Given the promising Super League displays from Academy back-row trio Elliott Whitehead, James Donaldson and Tom Olbison, the Bulls have no plans to invest in any second-row signings for 2010.

They are, however, expected to shortly announce the capture of Cronulla full back Brett Kearny – earmarked as a stand-off next season – and Gold Coast Titans winger Chris Walker to go alongside confirmed signings, Manly duo Heath L’Estrange and Glenn Hall.