March 23 could go down in history as the date of the last hat-trick of Jimmy Lowes' long and distinguished career.

But try to tell the veteran hooker that and he will quickly point out that it is a long season and he is more than capable of repeating that feat.

Far from simply playing out time in the twilight of his career, the 33-year-old hooker is more determined than ever to show what he is still capable of.

"I want to be play in every game left this year," said Lowes, who surprised the rugby league world last October by signing a 12-month extension to his Bulls career in a player-coach role.

"What are there, 30 games left? I want to play in them all and do my best in them all.

"I want to play in all the big games. If this is my last year I want to make the most of it."

Lowes rolled back the years this week to notch up the three tries, including a superb chip and chase that any 20-year-old would have been proud of, for the third and final score.

Although skipper Robbie Paul also bagged three, it was Lowes who earned the man-of-the-match award, although there was no watch that you get at the Sky games to go with his already massive collection.

"It is always pleasing to score a hat-trick," said Lowes, who went through the 600-point barrier for his career with the opening touchdown in his first treble for the Bulls.

"Whether you score it at Bognor Regis, Wembley or Odsal, a hat-trick is always a special thing."

Another pleasing part of his day were the two goals he kicked while Paul Deacon was off the field.

Having seen himself as a goal-kicker throughout his career, Lowes instantly fought off any opposition to ensure it was he who banged over two conversions to take his points tally for the day to 16.

"When Deacs and Radders (Lee Radford) were off the field I was quick to grab the ball and there was no way anyone was going to get it off of me," he added.

"Karl Pratt did ask but he was politely refused!"

What makes it all the more pleasing for Lowes is the criticism he received in certain sections of the press at the beginning of the season. He, and all the other over-30s in the side, were blamed for the defeat at St Helens on the opening day of Super League and Lowes has spent the rest of the year marking every strong performance with a dig at those who had written him off.

All he wants now are a couple of medals to round off a superb career.

And maybe another hat-trick if there is time.