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Rugby League

Bulls to release duo

06/09/2007

Super League side Bradford Bulls have announced they will be releasing two of their current first-team squad, Chris McKenna and Marcus St Hilaire, at the end of the current season.

Second-row forward McKenna, 32, joined Bradford from Leeds Rhinos in 2006, and is thought to be considering a return to his native Australia once his current deal expires.

Winger St Hilaire, 30, has played in every season since the Super League's inception in 1996 and is now considering retirement as a result of his impending release.

The pair join centre Nathan McAvoy on the way out of Odsal at the end of the current campaign, and coach Steve McNamara said it had been tough decision to cut the three players.

"Telling someone they won't be getting a contract is always a tough thing to do and tough for people to take but these three have reacted brilliantly," McNamara said.

"They have all served Bradford really well."

St Hilaire has claimed that the salary cap, which ultimately forced the Bulls' hand in releasing the players, is "stifling a few players".

He told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus: "I know the powers-that-be are trying to make the game better with the salary cap and it is a good thing.

"But at the same time, while they are doing it like this, it has affected players who aren't on the younger side."

And McNamara said he could "understand [Marcus'] frustrations" with the salary cap, which restricts the wage outlay of the top clubs.

"But we can only spend what we're allowed," he added.

"It's really tough on him as a player who has performed but I've got a responsibility for what's right for Bradford to put the best possible squad together I can and I simply can't stockpile players."