Shaun Ainscough is aiming for a Super League return after revealing the financial woes which saw him leave the Bulls left him suffering from depression.

The former Bradford winger is currently living in Australia, working in a tyre factory and playing on a part-time basis for Southcity Bulls in New South Wales.

Making the move Down Under was a huge step into the unknown for Ainscough but he felt his hand was forced by the deal he was offered to stay in West Yorkshire.

Although he has enjoyed the experience in Australia, Ainscough is desperate to play in Super League again.

A return to Odsal is his preferred option – and admits he regrets turning down the offer tabled by Francis Cummins.

“I needed to get out of England and have a break but it’s made me realise that playing in Super League is what I want,” said Ainscough.

“Being in Australia has made me a much stronger person and more determined to get back playing at the highest level back home.”

Ainscough headed to Australia in January with partner Lauren and their son Archie after his agent, former Wigan and Widnes boss Frank Endacott, engineered the move.

The 23-year-old was out of contract at Bradford at the end of 2012 – a year in which he scored 11 tries – but said he could not afford the offer put to him by Cummins. In hindsight, the ex-Wigan wideman wishes he had accepted it.

Ainscough explained: “It started with Franny offering a little less than what I was on in 2012. But I was already struggling badly on those wages as it was.

“I’d moved into a new place and trying to support Lauren, Archie and myself on that money was tough. Things got bad and I started getting into debt after taking out payday loans.

“It was messing my head up and I was going training every day putting on a brave face. On the inside, I was gutted and not even thinking straight.

“I started to get depressed and lost my love for the game, so when Franny give me the call I just couldn’t accept it. I thought I’d had a decent season and really expected a little bit more.

“I had the move to Australia lined up in case the new deal with Bradford didn’t come off but it was the last resort. With everything going on, I just didn’t return Franny’s call.”

However, Ainscough has now set his sights on playing in Super League again and said he would be willing to play for Bradford on the money he turned down last year.

The Wiganer, who proved a popular figure with Bulls fans after being recruited by Mick Potter ahead of the 2011 campaign, said: “Being over in Australia since January had made me realise what I had and I know that I want this again.

“I need to be in Super League and if Franny was to make me an offer again, I think I would take it. I miss being at the Bulls and I want to be there.”