Leeds claim they had first refusal on Harris' league services

The development comes just 48 hours before Harris returns to Headingley with the reigning champions to meet the table-topping Rhinos.

Leeds apologised to the Bulls this week for claiming they had "coerced" Harris into joining them from rugby union.

But they say he was contractually bound to Leeds on his return to rugby league.

The court will decide the legal issues Leeds Rhinos statement

Harris, 28, left the Rhinos for a joint contract with the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff three years ago, with Leeds insisting that they had first refusal on the player should he choose to move back to rugby league.

He won 25 Wales caps but never really settled in Cardiff, and chose to return north in the summer as soon as his contract allowed.

"Formal claims were made by Rhinos against Iestyn Harris for breach of contract and against Bulls for inducing breach of contract," read a Leeds statement.

"Regrettably, both Iestyn and Bulls have rejected these claims and refused to negotiate with Rhinos.

"Rhinos are therefore issuing legal proceedings against Iestyn and Bulls.

"The public will draw their own conclusions on this matter and the court will decide the legal issues."