Leon Pryce’s Bradford homecoming appears to be off.
Despite months of speculation linking the St Helens star with a return to his hometown club next season, the chances now look slim.
The Telegraph & Argus understands the Bulls’ interest has recently cooled, particularly with Pryce giving strong consideration to an offer from Catalan Dragons.
Instead, boss Mick Potter has been working on a shopping list of potential targets from Down Under in a bid to strengthen half-back options for 2012.
Top of that list is New Zealand Warriors stand-off Brett Seymour.
It is believed the Bulls have already made a contract offer to the 26-year-old Aussie, whose Warriors deal runs until the end of the season, although chairman Peter Hood remains tight-lipped.
He said: “I don’t know if Brett is seriously interested in coming to the UK but he’s a quality player and we are always interested in quality players if they are available.”
The Bulls had been keen to bring Pryce (pictured left) back to Odsal before the end of his current contract, which runs until November, but started to explore alternative options when Saints declined transfer talks.
Seymour emerged as their preferred target after informal discussions over a new deal with the Warriors stalled last month.
No stranger to controversy during a colourful NRL career, the Queenslander became famous more for his off-field antics than playing ability.
Sacked by first club Brisbane Broncos for disciplinary reasons, he hit the headlines again in 2009 when a series of alcohol-related incidents saw him axed by Cronulla Sharks, where he had featured alongside current Bull Brett Kearney.
Once hailed as the natural successor to Australian Test legend Allan Langer, Seymour was handed an NRL lifeline by the Warriors and has revived his career in Auckland since turning tee-total.
Despite a three-game stint in the reserves earlier this year, his return to first-team action in a round seven victory against Melbourne sparked a Warriors resurgence.
Seymour’s half-back partnership with James Maloney was key to a run of five straight wins and his absence has been felt since suffering a cheekbone injury.
The Warriors have fallen to Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers since losing their influential playmaker.
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