Frustrated Matt Cook concedes he is finding it hard dealing with why he has fallen out of favour at the Bulls.

The second rower missed just two of the club’s opening 14 games but has featured only twice in the last nine of what has been a turbulent season.

Teenager Elliott Whitehead has come in and impressed since making his debut against Wakefield in June while James Donaldson, 17, has also taken a regular back-row spot in Steve McNamara’s matchday squad.

Cook is the man who has generally missed out, spending much of the last two months in the Reserve Team.

He said: “It has been really disappointing and frustrating.

“I don’t know really why it’s happened. The only real explanation is we’ve not been getting performances through the majority of the season and changes had to be made.

“I see and understand that but whether it should have been me or someone else to miss out is a totally different issue.

“I do feel I have taken a bit of the flak.

“We’ve not been winning and there was an opportunity to get some of the young lads in and see what they could do. Unfortunately for me those that were ready to go all played my position so I’m one who has paid the price.

“They have come in and done a good job though, especially given their age.

“I’m sure they’ve all got big careers ahead of them.

“On the flip side, I’m just disappointed their opportunity has come at my expense as I feel I could have done as good if not better. But that’s rugby and the boss has the final say.”

Cook, 22, is out of contract at the end of next season but there has been no movement on a new deal.

He is rumoured to be heading to Hull KR, with Salford City Reds also thought to be interested, but he prefers to think about forcing his way back into the Bulls’ first team for the final run-in.

“It’s been an up-and-down season for me and the club,” Cook admitted.

“We’ve got five games remaining though and hopefully I can get picked for those. If we can get the results maybe something will come from it.”

Some players shirk away when dropped to second team rugby but Cook has put in some decent displays.

“I have to admit it is very hard to motivate yourself for reserve team football but it is my job,” he added.

“The club’s paying my wages and I’d give my all whoever I’m playing for, whether it’s in a Grand Final or mucking around at home with my mates.”