Elliott Whitehead has been ruled out of the Bulls’ engage Super League match against Castleford Tigers on Sunday.

The 19-year-old picked up an injury to his left ankle during the derby defeat at Leeds Rhinos last Friday.

“I’m gutted,” said the second-rower, who had little chance at Headingley to show the skills which had been so impressive in his previous two first-team stints.

Whitehead explained: “I had only been on the pitch for about seven minutes. The injury happened when I was making a tackle.

“I went over on it and the Leeds player fell on top of me. I haven’t been able to do much since, although I have now started walking properly.

“Hopefully I will be available for the game at Hull KR the following weekend.”

Horton Bank Top-based Whitehead made his senior debut last month in the 36-22 defeat of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, featuring for the final four minutes.

The England Academy international then got much more of an opportunity in the Bulls’ 21-10 victory at Warrington the following week.

“I must have been on for about half an hour,” said West Bowling product Whitehead.

“I thought it went well and some of the lads said positive things to me afterwards.”

While the last seven days might not have brought good news for Whitehead, there could be better news for both Wayne Godwin and Julien Rinaldi.

Godwin has been out for 15 weeks with a broken leg but impressed in last weekend’s Reserve Grade victory at Headingley, while Rinaldi has had a foot injury.

“It’s too early to say for definite but both have a shout of figuring for us on Sunday,” said Bulls head coach Steve McNamara.