The World Cup has softened the blow of missing two Bulls games for Jimmy Lowes.

The veteran hooker has been forced to sit out the recent victories over London and Salford, but has consoled himself with a seat in front of the box for the unfolding events in South Korea and Japan.

And with the Super League break for the Origin Series, footie fan Lowes has barely missed a kick.

The Leeds United fanatic faces a fitness test today ahead of tomorrow night's clash with St Helens and is desperate for a return to action - now that England are out.

"I don't think I have missed a match of this World Cup," said Lowes, who last played for the Bulls on June 2 against Warrington. "I don't like being injured and I don't like missing rugby, but if it has to happen then this is as good a time as any."

Before the tournament started, Lowes even admitted if he had a choice he would trade in his Bulls and Great Britain shirts for Leeds United and England varieties.

He was very critical of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad for the tournament giving the side very little chance of making an impact. Teddy Sheringham in particular was one Lowes didn't think could cut it at that level.

Although his main cause for concern seemed to be the lack of players from Elland Road - Alan Smith and Lee Bowyer were two he fancied for a spot in the squad.

But rugby league is his trade and now he is looking forward to getting back into the Bradford side.

"My knee is almost completely back to normal now and I just have to get through a fitness test and then we will see where we are," said the influential Lowes.

"I have being training at almost full capacity and I am looking forward to getting back into the side.

"I am very keen to play and desperate to get back into the side as soon as possible. It is always frustrating being on the sidelines."

Although the game against St Helens is being billed as a big Super League occasion, Lowes doesn't subscribe to the big match hype. "I'm looking forward to playing again, but not because we are taking on St Helens," he said.

"Every game for the Bulls is a game I want to play in, whoever we are playing against. I am annoyed to have missed the two games and coming back against St Helens is just another match.

"And it doesn't matter what went on before when we played them. I don't care who I play against, I just want to play."