Matty Blythe is aiming for a speedy recovery from an injury which looks certain to rule him out of the start of the season.

The Bulls centre sustained a cut thumb during a training session shortly after Christmas and was forced to undergo an operation.

Although the former Warrington man has been ruled out of the pre-season friendlies, he is hoping to miss no more than “one or two” rounds of Super League.

Blythe said: “It was just after Christmas when we started back training, and somebody’s studs went through my thumb.

“It was a bit deeper and more serious than we thought, so after the operation I have to give it time to repair itself.

“But I’m on the mend now and I’m being positive because I’ve been in this situation before with injuries.

“It’s a game of rugby league at the end of the day and you’re going to get bumps and bruises.

“I won’t play any part in the friendlies, I know that, and will maybe miss one or two rounds of Super League.

“If I’m back for the start of the season then great but if not then we have plenty of quality payers to cover. Hopefully I won’t miss too many games.” The injury setback was all the more frustrating for Blythe as he had been in excellent shape before suffering the cruel blow.

The 25-year-old explained: “I had been training hard and came back for pre-season feeling ten times better than last year.

“I’ll be coming back fitter and stronger from this injury and I’m still doing loads of fitness work in training in the meantime.”

Meanwhile, the Bulls are set to meet RFL officials today as they bid to move a step closer towards finalising the club’s change of ownership.

It is understood the governing body will also seek clarification over the club’s hierarchical structure going forward, with RFL rules dictating that a chairman of a club must be an active director.