Bulls pack star Mike Forshaw has refused to completely close the door on a return to international rugby.

The classy loose forward is still being tipped to spearhead Great Britain's fight for the Ashes at the end of the season despite announcing his retirement at the end of the World Cup last Autumn.

But the 30-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal at Odsal this week, says that his number one consideration will be to the Bulls.

"The club have looked after me superbly and I won't do anything which might affect my ability to be fit and raring to go at the start of next season," he says.

"At my age rest and nutrition is very important if I am to keep on playing at the top for another two years which is my aim.

"Another consideration is that my wife is expecting in October and that is the most important thing to me.

"It's flattering to hear people talking in terms of me facing the Aussies but at this stage it remains unlikely.

"Having said that I would be a liar if I hadn't thought about the chance to have a final go at the Aussies at the end of the season.

"You never say never in this game because so much can happen between now and the end of the season. It's a long season and injuries can strike at any time.

"I'm under no pressure from the Great Britain coaching staff to change my mind at this stage, we'll just have to see how the season pans out."

Meanwhile Forshaw, who has been troubled by a groin injury in recent weeks, could be taken out of the firing line against Salford at Valley Parade tomorrow night (6pm).

Coach Brian Noble is keeping his final selection under wraps but with the Bulls facing another tussle with their main Super League title rivals St Helens at Knowsley Road next Saturday he seems unlikely to take a gamble with anyone's fitness.

Prop Joe Vagana (calf) and Jamie Peacock (Achilles) have been also under treatment this week and face late tests.

But Noble has confirmed that Shane Rigon and Graham Mackay will be in the 17 on duty against the Reds who have a major injury crisis on their hands with a number of players likely. to be missing.