Bulls boss Steve McNamara could ring some changes for Sunday’s clash with Wakefield.
Although Glenn Morrison will not be risked on his return from a wrist injury, winger Semi Tadulala is back in the squad after missing the Salford clash with a dodgy hamstring.
McNamara has also brought 18-year-old second-rower Elliott Whitehead in in place of Tom Olbison after some impressive displays for the Reserve Grade and the chief has laid down the gauntlet to some of his under-performing players.
“Training this week will determine whether some players play or don’t,” he said.
“We do have some competition because we have a few senior players back in contention and also some young players knocking very hard on the first-team door through their performances in our second team.
“We set them some challenges and they have responded to them in the right way and are really putting pressure on the squad.
“We are looking forward to this week; we have had no game because of the Challenge Cup and are refreshed and ready to go – and there’s no better incentive than competition for places.”
McNamara insists the Bulls are ready to turn things around and with increased numbers – Morrison should be ready for Warrington next Sunday – he is confident ahead of the visit of the Wildcats.
“We have to find ways to win and with the added competition we have got it gives us the opportunity to change things if we are not happy,” he said.
“That’s how it should be. We envisaged it to be that way at the start of the season and we would be in even better shape now but for the Tame Tupou situation and the injuries to David Solomona, Wayne Godwin and Jason Crookes.
“But it’s probably as good a position for us as it could be at this time.”
However, Wakefield are profiting from their own return of personnel, with influential stand-off Jamie Rooney recently making his first appearance of the season.
Last week’s 50-6 rout of Celtic Crusaders, the Wildcats’ first victory in six games, also saw prop Michael Korkidas make his ‘second’ debut after re-signing from Huddersfield Giants.
McNamara admitted: “They have some outstanding individuals within their group who are real threats across the park.
“They are a quick side; an elusive side. They break tackles, so we will have to be at our best both in attack and defence this week.
“Danny Brough and Brad Drew are obviously very creative but they have other half-backs as well in there.
“There’s Sam Obst, Jamie Rooney and Tevita Leo-Latu, who are all playing at this time. When you combine those with some big, raw-boned forwards, then they have threats throughout their side.
“Ryan Atkins has been picked in the England squad and Matt Blaymire has had a taste of that a couple of years ago, so they have a good blend of youth, experience and talented footballers.
“We have played each other twice in recent months, so we probably know more about each other than any other teams at this time.”
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