WHEN Charlie Martin asked his employers for two weeks off work so he could go on trial with the Bulls, they were not best pleased.

It was just after Christmas and Martin, having tasted life as a professional rugby league player at Castleford, was desperate to return to the full-time ranks.

Martin works at Wakefield-based City & Guilds, a vocational education organisation which provides him with a steady job. But it cannot compare to the buzz of marauding across a rugby league field.

So the 22-year-old centre or second-rower contacted Bulls managing director Steve Ferres about an opportunity at Odsal.

Martin, who made his Super League debut for Castleford at St Helens in Easter 2013, said: "I've known Steve for a few years because he looked after me when I was at Castleford and is a good bloke.

"I took two weeks off after Christmas, which I don't think work were too happy about, but I wanted to give it my best shot at Bradford. Hopefully it pays off and I can get back to doing what I love.

"It would be a dream come true to get a contract here and would definitely put a smile back on my face. I'd be over the moon because they're a top set of blokes.

"I knew Dan Fleming and Vila Halafihi from my time at Cas, plus I knew a bit about Dale Ferguson and Lucas Walshaw too.

"When Lucas was in the academy at Wakefield and I was at Cas, we used to get the same bus together to training. He was one of the first people I contacted when I came on trial.

"I'm not taking anything away from Castleford, because they gave me my chance in Super League, but I've just really felt at home at Bradford.

"I don't know whether it's the excitement of coming back into rugby league; I've just really enjoyed it. I think that's what rugby is about – enjoying yourself – because if you do that then you tend to play your best stuff."

Martin has returned to his job at City & Guilds and, having made an impressive cameo off the bench in Jamie Peacock's testimonial, he expects to hear if his trial has been successful shortly.

"I was back at work at the start of last week and I can't really get any more time off," he said.

"Getting a full-time contract with the Bulls is something I'm definitely hoping for but I'm just trying to keep a level head.

"Playing in JP's testimonial was only one game and if Jimmy (Lowes) asks me to play again, then great.

"He might ask me to play in another trial match and, while there are no more friendlies before the start of the season, perhaps he might want to look at me in a league game.

"I'm not sure if that would be possible, I'm just coming in to train whenever I can and see what happens with it all."

Martin made six Super League appearances for Castleford in 2013 but left in March 2014. During his time at Wheldon Road, he had stints in the Championship at Cougars and Featherstone.

He also had a spell at Batley last season before switching codes and joining Huddersfield in the autumn. He quickly scooped the club's player of the month award for September after just four senior competitive appearances for the National League Two North outfit.

Wakefield-based Martin, who stands 6ft 1in and weighs 96kg, said: "My opportunities of playing regularly weren't there at Cas and there were a few players ahead of me at that point.

"Therefore I took the decision to come out of my contract early and go and play at Batley to get some more game-time.

"I was in and out of the squad there and wasn't playing the best rugby I could have been, so I decided to try my hand at rugby union to keep myself ticking over and get the ball in hand. I think it has done me the world of good, to be honest."

Martin was thrilled to play a part in Peacock's testimonial at Headingley on Sunday and could train with the Bulls again before the club decide his fate.

He admits that playing for the promotion favourites on a part-time basis would probably not be feasible.

Martin said: "If the boys are training on Saturday or Sunday this week, then I'll go in and train. Until they make that decision on whether I will sign on the dotted line, then I'll be making myself available for training.

"Being part-time is maybe something to explore but I don't think that would be an option because Bradford are obviously full-time and train through the day.

"But I'd love to be part of things here this year and I'm going to keep being positive."