The Bulls will have to do it the hard way to beat Leeds Rhinos.

Boss Steve McNamara is already without injured skipper Paul Deacon and vice-captain Glenn Morrison as well as Wayne Godwin and David Solomona.

But two other unnamed senior players have also been struck down by illness and are doubtful for tomorrow night’s Super League clash.

Loose forward James Donaldson, 17, may make his debut, having been added to the squad in place of Deacon, who underwent knee surgery on Tuesday.

Centre Jason Crookes is set for only his second Super League appearance while another 18-year-old – untried second-rower Tom Olbison – is on stand-by.

“They’re definitely going to get a chance,” said McNamara.

“Crookesy’s already had one shot. He’s itching to get another and I think he will tomorrow night.

“James Donaldson did well up at Whitehaven in pre-season and he’s had two Reserve Grade games in which he’s been very good in both.

“We’ll have to see how everyone pulls through and we need to be slightly inventive to get the best out of what we’ve got at this moment.”

McNamara must find a way of gaining more impact from his bench after horrifically losing momentum in previous matches against Catalans and Castleford.

Champions Leeds have some problems of their own, missing prolific Aussie winger Scott Donald and England World Cup man Lee Smith, while Luke Burgess serves a one-match ban.