Bulls stand firm on Lulia

Leeds Rhinos have failed in their bid to prise Australian centre Keith Lulia away from local rivals Bradford Bulls.

The Super League champions approached Bradford about the possibility of taking Lulia in the middle of his contract, but the Bulls declined the offer "out of hand". Despite ending the 2012 season with victory in the Grand Final at Old Trafford, Leeds are keen on adding to their squad as they strive for consistency during the regular season. The Rhinos will be without experienced backs Brent Webb and Lee Smith in 2013, while they have still yet to replace Keith Senior. Zak Hardaker and Carl Ablett have filled the centre role in recent times. Lulia moved to Bradford from St George Illawarra Dragons before the start of the 2011 season on a two-year deal and now looks set to see out his contract at Odsal. "Leeds made an approach, through the correct channels, for Keith's services but we rejected their offer out of hand," said Bulls football and media manager Stuart Duffy. "Keith is happy at the club and has been informed of the Rhinos' interest. We have absolutely no intention whatsoever of letting our best players leave and were happy to decline the Rhinos' offer."