Tuesday 22 July 2014 10:28, UK
Manase Manuokafoa is refusing to rule out staying with Bradford Bulls following their relegation, but admits he would like to remain in Super League.
A 52-26 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Giants - their 17th reverse of the season - was the final nail in the coffin for the Bulls as their stay in rugby league’s flagship competition came to an end.
It has been a season of anguish for the four-time Super League champions, who were hit with a six-point deduction for entering administration.
I will explore every avenue with my agent going forward but right now I’m not sure where I’ll be next season.
Manuokafoa has won the adoration of the Bulls faithful since his arrival from Parramatta in 2012, but the 29-year-old revealed his time at Odsal may be reaching a conclusion.
“I will explore every avenue with my agent going forward but right now I’m not sure where I’ll be next season,” he told the Telegraph and Argus.
“I’d like to get it sorted soon because I don’t want to leave it too late as I have a family to consider. I still want to be playing in the top flight but I’ve not had any other offers from Super League clubs yet.
“I’ve not ruled out staying at the Bulls - I can’t rule anything out - but hopefully I can get something sorted in the next couple of weeks.
“The sooner the better really - but I don’t want to be leaving the Bulls after three years on a low. If these are my last few games, I want to go out on a high.”
Despite a series of off-field problems which have blighted the club during his stay, Manuokafoa had nothing but praise for Bulls supporters.
“The fans and the club have been great to me and it’s a pity we have been in administration twice in the past couple of years,” he claimed.
“Had it not been for administration, we would have still had a good squad. This is my third season at the Bulls, and it’s a big part of me, but the reality is that we are now relegated.”
One victim of the club’s struggles was head coach Francis Cummins, who paid the price for on-field failure, but Manuokafoa believes the arrival of James Lowes sparked a spirited response.
“Since Jimmy has come on board, he’s been really good with us and is trying to change our mentality," he concluded.
“We turned over cheap ball and Huddersfield made us pay but you couldn’t fault the boys’ effort. At least we went down fighting.”
