Tom Olbison has vowed to force his way back into Francis Cummins’ starting line-up after being dropped for the Bulls’ past two games.

The highly-regarded second-rower did not play any part in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup defeat at London Broncos or the victory at Salford last Friday.

Olbison’s omission followed a below-par display in the recent home defeat to Leeds Rhinos and he was sent to play for Dewsbury last week in their Northern Rail Cup win over Halifax.

He said: “I’ll be honest, my performance against Leeds probably wasn’t where it should have been. I knew myself that I needed to be better.

“Franny sent me to Dewsbury and I’ve got to prove myself again and obviously keep myself fit at the same time. I’m not just going to walk into the team every week.

“I had a bad game against Leeds and having to go to Dewsbury, and feeling that you’re having to prove yourself, is good for the team.

“We’ve got plenty of back-rowers here at Bradford and it’s very competitive.

“If you have a bad game, you just have to get back to those games where you were playing well. That’s just what I’ve got to do.

“It’s only been one or two games where I’ve been not quite at my best. I realise that myself and obviously Franny has picked up on it and sent me away.

“It’s my own doing and hopefully I can try and get back out there and get back to my best as soon as possible.”

Olbison enjoyed his outing at Dewsbury last week and played the full game as Glenn Morrison’s men claimed a spirited 20-18 victory.

“Glenn’s a good bloke and really passionate – and having known him from his time at Bradford, it’s been interesting to see him as a coach,” said 22-year-old Olbison.

“It was a great win too. I played 80 minutes and it was a bit of a shock to the body.

“But at the same time it was what I needed and it was good to get out there with some different lads.

“They’re all good lads at Dewsbury and I get on well with them. Hopefully I can now work my way back into the side at Bradford.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls are to hold their latest fans forum in the Coral Stand on Thursday at 7pm.