THE Bulls are looking to tie up Jordan Lilley on a permanent deal.

Half back Lilley is out of contract at the end of the season after Leeds decided against taking up a further one-year option.

And ahead of the Challenge Cup sixth-round derby at Odsal this weekend, the Bulls have jumped in to try to turn his loan stay at Odsal into a full-time one.

Watch today's Bulls v Rhinos press conference from Odsal

John Kear confirmed: “We are speaking to Jordan and trying to get him over the line. We would love him to stay here.

“He’s very much become part of us. He’s really enthusiastic, really popular within the group and most importantly, he’s a very good rugby league player.”

Lilley, in his second loan spell at the Bulls and allowed to play against his parent club on Saturday, has made 11 appearances this year.

The 22-year-old admits he is flattered by the interest but will not rush into making up his mind.

“They’ve thrown an offer and it’s a pretty good one, to be fair,” he said.

“I’ve got to sit down now with my family and agent and look at the options.

“It hasn’t been long since I got told what’s happened at Leeds, so I haven’t had time to digest it.

“Being the player that I am, I don’t want to be distracted. That’s what I’ve got an agent for to deal with all that.

“But since I’ve come to Bradford, John has been great with me. He’s looked after me and made sure I know what I’m doing and where I’m meant to be.

“I’ve got a lot to thank him for and he’s put his faith in me again by putting that offer out.

“He’s said some real nice things about where he sees me as a Bradford lad.

“My main focus is on the game this Saturday and then the weeks ahead and then we’ll see where we’re at.

“I just want to challenge myself the best I can and what better occasion than to do it this week.”

Lilley and teenager Rowan Milnes have established themselves as the first-choice pairing in the halves with Joe Keyes still out with his long-term back problem.

Kear showed his faith in the young duo by allowing Dane Chisholm to join Featherstone last month and not immediately replacing him.

The Bulls coach believes the team are in safe hands with the combination of Lilley, Milnes and Keyes.

He said: “I think any two of those three would pose problems for the vast majority of opposition.

“I’d love to see them progress and grow.

“We’re certainly talking to Jordan and trying to retain him for the future.”