Bradford Bulls have rejected Leeds Rhinos' bid for England forward Jamie Peacock.

The Rhinos apparently tabled a "substantial" written offer for the 23-year-old second row.

And Bulls' media manager Stuart Duffy admitted: "The offer did arrive, but we faxed Leeds back in the negative - a very large negative.

"Jamie is under contract to us for another three years and we are not about to sell one of our best young players to our biggest rivals."

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "We have put in a written offer to Bradford.

"We are not prepared to say how much we have offered, but it is a substantial amount."

Rhinos are believed to have offered about £75,000 for Stanning-ley-based Peacock, who scored a try in Sunday's clash between the sides which Bulls won 44-22 to stay top of Super League.

Peacock joined the Bulls from Stanningley ARLFC and was a Leeds fan as a child.

Bulls are currently being linked with Australian Test captain Brad Fittler and fellow Aussie Scott Hill as replacements for Henry Paul.

Duffy added: "We can neither confirm nor deny these stories, but it is flattering to be linked with such players, and we are always in the market for outstanding talent.

"We have continually shown that we will endeavour to bring fans the very best players that the sport can offer, and that is something we will be looking to continue.

"Bringing Leslie Vainikolo over was only the beginning, and I can promise Bulls fans some exciting signings over the next few months as we prepare for next season."

Bulls have been given an extra 300 tickets for Sunday's derby against Halifax Blue Sox at the New Shay (6.00).

They are all standing tickets at £10 or concessionary rates and are available from the Bulls' ticket office at Odsal.

This brings the number of away fans at the match to 2,300 - more than a third of the total figure of 6,000, which has been restricted by safety measures.