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Page last updated at 11:35 GMT, Saturday, 13 September 2008 12:35 UK

Bulls' Harris ponders retirement

Harris has been linked with Celtic Crusaders
Harris has been linked with Celtic Crusaders

Former dual-code international Iestyn Harris will decide in the next week whether to retire from playing rugby.

Harris, 32, is out of contract at Bradford and confirmed Friday's 30-14 Super League play-off defeat at Wigan was his last Bulls appearance.

The ex-Wales and Great Britain star has been linked with Bridgend-based Super League new boys Celtic Crusaders.

He is also thought to have been offered a playing role by National League One club Featherstone coach Daryl Powell.

However, Harris has stated he is keen to get into coaching.

Harris was recently appointed to the backroom staff of Wales under new head coach John Dixon and has been linked with the post of assistant coach at Warrington.

606: DEBATE
"I'm going to decide my future over the next seven days," said Harris. "I have a few irons in the fire and I'm going to decide whether I'm going to play or not.

"I feel really good, really sharp. I've played a lot off the bench this year, which is disappointing. It's one of those things."

Harris took his points tally for Bradford to 382 with a conversion in the defeat by Wigan, his 132nd appearance for the club.

He has scored 2,526 points in rugby league from 399 club and international appearances.

The former Leeds captain admitted that the defeat by Bradford was a disappointing way to end his three-and-half-year spell with the club.

You don't get any second chances in the play-offs and we're very disappointed

Iestyn Harris
"We're bitterly disappointed," he said. "It was a poor performance from us really and sort of typified what we've done all year.

"We've been inconsistent in games, with people trying to win the game every time we've had the ball.

"You don't get any second chances in the play-offs and we're very disappointed."

Friday's game also marked the farewell appearances of prop Joe Vagana, who has retired, and three-quarter James Evans, who is moving to Castleford, while second-rower Simon Finningan is thought to be joining Huddersfield.

see also
McNamara criticises video referee
13 Sep 08 |  Bradford
Play-off pics
13 Sep 08 |  Rugby League
Wigan 30-14 Bradford
12 Sep 08 |  Rugby League
Harris wants Wales to be a force
19 Jun 08 |  Rugby League
Harris takes Wales coaching role
18 Jun 08 |  Rugby League
Super League to grow to 14 clubs
17 Jun 08 |  Rugby League
Celtic Crusaders plot Harris move
10 Jun 08 |  Rugby League
Bradford & Leeds end Harris feud
07 May 08 |  Rugby League
Ex-hooker Hall named Wales coach
27 Sep 05 |  International
Nineteen target Super League spot
02 Apr 08 |  Rugby League
Harris retires from Britain duty
10 May 06 |  Rugby League
Harris move approved
02 Jul 04 |  Bradford
Harris confirms code switch
17 Jun 04 |  My Club
Harris to make quick-fire debut
07 Nov 01 |  Rugby Union
Cardiff complete Harris capture
10 Aug 01 |  Welsh-Scottish Rugby
BBC Sport Wales coverage
23 Mar 08 |  Wales


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