The Bulls’ hopes of signing Aussie Test star Craig Wing are finished after the mercurial stand-off announced he will play rugby union in Japan next year.

Bradford had made a substantial offer to the New South Wales ace in a bid to lure him to Super League in 2010.

But Wing, 29, opted to switch codes instead and will leave South Sydney at the end of the season.

He had two years left on his contract with the NRL club but has been released on compassionate grounds.

Wing, who reportedly had financial difficulties with a third-party agreement, was earmarked by Steve McNamara as an ideal playmaker for his side next term.

But, just as a deal to bring former Kangaroos number six Greg Bird to Odsal earlier this year collapsed, the Bulls boss has been thwarted again.

Current stand-off Ben Jeffries is believed to be heading to Celtic Crusaders next season, so the club do need to make a move for another half unless McNamara switches centre Paul Sykes to the role on a full-time basis.

The coach, meanwhile, has steadfastly denied any interest in Hull FC’s Chris Thorman, despite reports linking Bradford with the former Huddersfield Giant, although Wakefield’s Danny Brough could be a possible target.