AMERICAN international Mark Offerdahl will now not be joining Bradford Bulls for next year.

The front-rower has been deemed unable to take part in pre-season training because of a recurring injury.

As a result, Offerdahl has been released from the one-year contract he signed in August.

But the Bulls have retained his registration, meaning that the Manly Sea Eagles product could potentially be re-signed if and when he is able to prove his fitness.

Managing director Steve Ferres said: "Mark has only been able to play a couple of games since he returned to Australia earlier this year.

"He has contacted us, making us aware of his situation and we have agreed to release him from his contract.

"Obviously this frees up spots on our overseas quota and non-federation trained lists, meaning we now have an option to bring someone else in.

"However, we are in no rush to do so – with five front-row forwards on board for 2015.

"Pre-season training is now well underway and Jimmy (Lowes) will assess his troops before making a judgement on whether a further addition needs to be sought.

"Heading into the winter months with space on the quota leaves us in a strong and healthy position, with the rest of our squad getting stuck into pre-season training."

Queensland-born Offerdahl, 26, caught the eye after playing in all four of the USA Tomahawks' matches in last year's World Cup, when they reached the quarter-finals against Australia.

He moved to Championship side North Wales Crusaders, scoring five tries in 15 games, before heading home to Australia in June to join St George Illawarra feeder club, the Illawarra Cutters.

Bulls have stressed they will be making no further comment on the matter at this time but his absence will come as a blow for Lowes, who had predicted he would add "a lot of power, size and energy" to the Bulls front line.