Bulls’ Julien Rinaldi is poised to return to France to join Villeneuve as player-coach.

The former Catalans hooker has been with Bradford since signing a two-month deal back in April.

He had that extended last month until the end of July but it appears he won’t be staying any longer.

“I really want to stay here but I don’t think I’m part of next year’s plans,” said Rinaldi.

“There’s a good opportunity to go back to France and play and coach there.

“It’s with Villeneuve and that’s where I am from. They need to know soon, so I will have to see and then decide.”

The French Championship starts up again in October and so the wily rake must make a final call on his future imminently.

Rinaldi, 30, has plenty of Super League experience, having played three years with Catalans and another two campaigns for Harlequins.

But despite Terry Newton’s decision to quit the club, the Bulls seem well set for 2010. They still have Wayne Godwin for next season and are also believed to have tied up a deal for Manly hooker Heath L’Estrange.

Rinaldi hopes to continue in Super League but a move back to his homeland now seems most likely.

Meanwhile, the player is growing frustrated after being sidelined for another week with his foot injury.

He picked up the problem against St Helens and has missed the last three games.

He hoped to be back in the reckoning for the visit of Wigan on Sunday but has suffered another setback.

“I tried to run on it today and it’s still sore,” said the French international.

“I went to see the specialist on Saturday but I’m having another MRI tomorrow to see if we can find out what’s wrong.

“It’s some sort of ligament trouble across the top of my foot and on my toes too. It’s annoying, especially with the boys not getting the results.

“I want to be a part of the side and help us get some wins but that’s the way it is. I just need to focus on recovering now as fast as I can.”

With time running out on his deal, Rinaldi could be left with just one more opportunity to play Super League for the Bulls when they visit Celtic Crusaders a week on Saturday.

He has made seven appearances – all off the bench – since joining as cover for broken leg victim Godwin and scored one try in the win over Wakefield.