CHARLIE Martin is hoping and praying that his trial with the Bulls will lead to a full-time contract as he waits nervously to discover his fate.

The former Castleford player joined Jimmy Lowes’ squad on loan earlier this month for a two-week stint before playing in Jamie Peacock’s testimonial against Leeds on Sunday.

With Lowes and his players currently in Essex for a three-day camp at a British Army base, Martin has returned to his day job at the City & Guilds in Wakefield.

The 22-year-old centre or second-rower has been told that a decision on whether he will be offered a deal will be made early next week.

In the meantime, his whole life remains on hold as he prepares to possibly give up his job to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time rugby player again.

Martin said: “I spoke to Jimmy on Monday morning and the boys are away in camp this week, but after that he’s going to sit down with Steve Ferres and the chairman to discuss my situation.

“That’s as much as I know at the moment but I’ve got my fingers crossed and am keeping my head down and hoping for the best.

“These past two or three weeks have probably been the best of my playing career.

“I’ve enjoyed my rugby from the start, built my confidence back up and being at Bradford is something I would love to be a part of.

“It would make me really happy to get back into rugby league and especially here. There is a good buzz around the place.”

Wakefield lad Martin made his Super League debut for Castleford in 2013 and made six appearances for them that year.

He left Wheldon Road in March 2014 and, after a spell with Batley, joined rugby union outfit Huddersfield last autumn.

But his heart was in rugby league and he contacted Bulls managing director Steve Ferres about an opportunity at Odsal.

Martin added: “I got in touch with Steve and just asked for the opportunity because if you don’t ask then you don’t get anything.

“It was pretty similar to what happened at Castleford – I just asked for an opportunity, so I’ve hopefully taken it with both hands at Bradford.

“It’s a nervous and exciting period coming up now as I wait to hear from them.

“Technically, the trial was over last week but Jimmy has been really good to me.

“After the Huddersfield game got called off last week, he said ‘I still want to see you play’, so he gave me a run-out against Leeds.

“I worked all week in my job at the City & Guilds, came in for the team run on Saturday and then played on Sunday. I’m really grateful for Jimmy giving him that opportunity.”

Martin earned Lowes’ praise following his impressive cameo off the bench in the second half, when he looked to have scored with his first touch, only for Lee Gaskell’s pass which sent him over the line to be deemed forward.

Martin said: “I hit the line from 20 metres but Gasky’s pass was ruled forward but I think that was a bit dubious to be honest.

“Apart from the Nines, that was the first time I had played at Headingley and it was a great atmosphere.

“It was a great experience to play in that game for JP and I enjoyed myself a lot – it was good to be back playing rugby league.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls will hold an ‘An Evening with the Bulls’ at Odsal on Thursday, February 5, where chairman Marc Green will address 1863 Members Club holders.

The ‘Bulls Ball’ will also be held at the Provident Stadium on Saturday, February 7.

Members of the 1863 Club can secure places for £40, with regular tickets priced at £50.