Shaun Ainscough says he would love to extend his stay with the Bulls into a third year.

The winger, 22, has proved a valuable squad member this season and weighed in with two hat-tricks against Doncaster and Castleford.

His industrious displays when called upon have made him a popular figure with the Odsal faithful but he is one of 17 Bulls stars out of contract at the end of the year.

Ainscough is currently speaking to his agent – former Wigan and Widnes boss Frank Endacott – about his future and the message he has is clear.

“I’d love to stay at Bradford,” said Ainscough. “I’m up at the end of this year but I’ve not got a clue what’s happening because I’ve not heard anything.

“Frank Endacott is my agent and I’m due to speak to him but I’d definitely like to stay with the Bulls.

“They’ve made me feel welcome there. It’s hard getting into the side but I feel I’ve improved as a player and I’d like that to continue at Bradford.

“It’s a good place to be at and I enjoy being with the lads.

“Even the travelling from Wigan every day hasn’t got to me yet.

“We’ve improved loads as a team as the season has gone on.”

Ainscough has an impressive pedigree having progressed through Wigan’s academy and is likely to have other options should things not work out at Bradford.

His recent hat-trick against Castleford, televised live on Sky, was a ringing endorsement of his ability.

Ainscough added: “My agent will probably speak to all the clubs out there and see what’s happening. I’m not sure how they work it but it’s a tough one because I’ve not been playing that much this season and other teams would not really have seen that much of me.

“I don’t know about other options but it was good to get a hat-trick on Sky because it showed what I can do.

“There are 17 players off contract at the end of the year, that’s a lot, and the Bulls can’t let 17 people go and sign 17 new ones. I cannot see that happening.”

Mick Potter is similarly out of contract at the end of the year and Ainscough has echoed Brett Kearney’s sentiments by declaring he would like to see the Bulls coach remain in position.

Ainscough added: “Mick’s a good coach.

“We didn’t play the best last year but you can see the improvements that have been made with what we’re doing.

“Look where we were last season. That was Mick’s first year and he had a team and tried to build on that team.

“This year we’ve done a lot better and are pushing for the top eight.

“We’ve had some good wins and are definitely moving forward.”