Bulls coach Francis Cummins will not rush to sign a replacement for Lee Gaskell as he admitted that Danny Addy could be the man to fill his boots.

Former St Helens stand-off Gaskell will be out for between eight and 12 weeks after sustaining a knee injury during last week’s win at Wakefield.

It is a bitter blow to Cummins’ small squad but Addy performed admirably in the halves last year and slotted in there after Gaskell was forced off at Belle Vue.

Cummins, who could also utilise Brett Kearney and Adam Henry as one of his pivots, said: “Danny did a good job there last season and he played well at Wakefield.

“His defence was better too but we probably see his long-term future as more of a loose forward.

“However, he’s got the skill-set to play in the halves and did very well for us in that position at the start of last year.

“That’s why I’m not going to jump in feet first for someone else when it might not be the right option.”

The Bulls have been linked with Castleford half-back Brett Seymour and Ryan McGoldrick, who has been without a club since leaving Salford at the end of last season.

Cummins has money available to spend on wages following the recent departure of Garreth Carvell and Jarrod Sammut.

The Bulls coach said: “We’ve got to look at options but there are not too many options out there, particularly in that half-back position.

“They have got to be the right options as well so we won’t be rushed into anything.”

Cummins cannot apply for a visa for any overseas signings until the club’s change of ownership is ratified by the RFL, which could happen today.

Cummins admitted: “Given the size of our squad, I’m not in a position where I can’t be interested in players. I have to be, but we’re at least three weeks off being able to apply for visas.

“What can we do as things stand? You would end up getting sent to prison if you employ overseas players without a visa.”

Cummins, meanwhile, is confident that Addy will escape a ban after he was placed on report for a challenge on Sammut during the Wakefield victory.

The Bulls coach added: “I don’t foresee Danny Addy getting banned for that challenge because there was no reaction from Jarrod.

“From the footage I’ve looked at, at best Danny’s arm is up near Jarrod’s shoulder and there is no blocking of heads.

“His head moves out to the side, so he gives him enough space. There was nothing in it.”

The Bulls’ Under-16s began their campaign on Saturday with a 40-12 victory over the Midlands Regional Academy.