Francis Cummins will step up his search for loan signings today after it was revealed that Brett Kearney is set for a spell on the sidelines.

The full back sustained a groin injury during Friday night’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup fifth-round exit at London Broncos and was replaced during the first half.

It remains to be seen how long he will be out of action but Cummins is keen to strengthen his squad, with the recruitment of a prop forward his priority.

The Bulls coach revealed after the cup defeat that Manase Manuokafoa will be out for up to seven weeks with a fractured thumb, while Jamie Langley is facing a battle to return from injury in time for Friday’s trip to Salford.

James Donaldson will also be assessed ahead of that match after being replaced following a heavy challenge from London prop Antonio Kaufusi which forced him off in the first half.

Cummins said: “It looks like we’ve definitely lost Brett Kearney and for him to come straight off showed you that it’s quite serious.

“We’re not sure yet how James Donaldson will pull up after that tackle on Friday.

“We’ve got a few bumps and bruises in the middle, so a loan signing is something we’ve been looking at for a while now and another prop remains the priority.

“We don’t know how long Jamie Langley will be but we are looking to try and bring somebody in to give us an extra number.”

Cummins said he had been pleased with the way on-loan Warrington prop Ben Evans had performed in recent matches but admitted his small squad needed a new face.

“There are probably only a couple of clubs who’ve got big squads but the rest are reluctant to give you that man sitting behind their regular men in case they get an injury,” said the Bulls boss.

“But hopefully they will see it as an opportunity to get Super League experience for a young player or someone who has fallen out of favour.

“There are people I’ve tried to get in before but their club wouldn’t play ball or that player has ended up playing and kicked on at his parent club.

“We’re going to have to go cap in hand to see what players are available.

“We’re not going to be bringing in England internationals because we can’t afford the wage. We’ll see who’s available and then take it from there.”