Bulls coach Matthew Elliott has effectively closed the door to a possible return for Shaun Edwards.

The scrum-half suggested in an interview on Sky Sports last night that he would go back to the Bulls if a transfer could not be sorted out.

But Elliott said today: "While Shaun is not excluded from training it seems pointless to try and continue with something that is clearly not working."

Salford and London have already expressed an interest in the former Great Britain star but much could depend on the fee the Bulls ask for the 31-year-old.

Meanwhile Elliott app-ears ready to hand a first senior outing to Academy prospect Paul Deacon as the club prepares for life without Edwards.

"Paul will definitely be in the 17," confirmed Elliott who was informing his players of his selection at training today.

"We have a lot of confidence in Paul but it is obviously a big step up and in the long term we may have to look at our strength in the half-back positions."

Meanwhile Elliott says he is unlikely to have any of his injured squad back in time for Sunday's home clash with basement club Huddersfield Giants.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.