Karl Pryce may not be able to tour Australasia with the England Academy team after all.

Bradford Bulls are currently in negotiation with England head coach Dave Lyon about whether Pryce can be released by the World Club champions for the matches in Australia and New Zealand.

The Under-18 tour starts on Monday, and Bulls coach Brian Noble said: "I desperately want Karl to tour for the lifestyle experience, but if we get another injury among the backs then Karl will be in the team."

Pryce, who is 18 next Tuesday, was selected for the warm-up match and three Tests along with clubmates Brett Ferres and dual code international Matthew Cook.

Noble added: "I am also pleased for the others to go, even though it weakens our 21s and 18s sides, but where Karl is concerned my priority has to be to the Bulls' first-team."

The 23-strong squad have an opening fixture against Auckland Under-18s on Sunday, August 1, followed by two matches against the Junior Kiwis on August 8 and 15. All these contests are at Albany's North Harbour Stadium, and the tour finishes with a Test against the Australian Schoolboys at St Mary's Stadium on August 21.

l Former Bulls and Great Britain hooker James Lowes has been awarded a special three-month testimonial in recognition of his services to the game. It will be launched next Tuesday in the Legends Suite of the Coral Stand at Odsal Stadium (6pm to 8pm).

During the invitation-only evening, there will be a question and answer session with Lowes, now a coach with the Bulls, and

a career-highlights video presentation.