SAMIR Tahraoui believes he is gradually acclimatising to life as a Bulls player as he prepares to face Workington again tomorrow following his two-try display against them last week.

The Algeria-born man-mountain scored his first tries for the club in last weekend's 74-6 demolition of Phil Veivers' side in the Challenge Cup fourth round.

It underlined his growing value to Jimmy Lowes' team and he could start when Workington return to Odsal for a league match tomorrow as Adam Sidlow has been rested.

Tahraoui has come off the bench in every game so far this season and said his double last Sunday, when he twice took passes from Adam O'Brien to crash over the line from close range, had poured confidence into him.

The close-season arrival from Whitehaven said: "Scoring a try for any club is good, but to do it for Bradford Bulls is special.

"Front-rowers don't score tries that often, so to get two in one game was great and I'll take them whenever they come.

"I could have had a hat-trick when Ryan Shaw scored late on, but fair play to him for going over himself because he made the break and did all the work.

"For me to take the try off Ryan would have been a bit selfish on my part, but hopefully I'll get another chance to score again this week.

"I think I only scored three tries last season, all in the Challenge Cup and none in the league, but I wouldn't say I've set myself any targets for this year. If they come my way, I will take them."

There is fierce competition for places among the Bulls' roster of props but Tahraoui is holding his own.

Paul Clough and Sidlow are firmly established as Lowes' first-choice starting front-rowers, leaving Tahraoui, Epalahame Lauaki and Dan Fleming to battle it out for a bench spot.

"I've played every game so far this season and I'm pleased with my progress," said Tahraoui.

"Two weeks ago at Batley, I set myself back a bit by making two stupid errors which potentially could have cost us the game.

"I was fortunate to be given an opportunity again last Sunday against Workington and I personally feel I've done enough to solidify my spot for this week."

Tahraoui says that Clough and Sidlow, with plenty of Super League appearances between them, are a fine example for him to follow.

He admitted during pre-season that he initially struggled with the demands of full-time rugby but is happy that he is now punching his weight.

"Sidlow and Clough are playing really well and setting the benchmark for what front-rowers should bring to the side," said Tahraoui.

"But if Jimmy wants me to come off the bench and bring that impact, then I'll do it for as long as he wants me to. I think my game is getting better and that comes from being more direct with my carries.

"In the first game I had a tendency to not be as direct as I could be. But if you run hard and straight, then you make it difficult for the opposition, and I think Jimmy likes that. If you do that then you're in his good books."

Jean-Philippe Baile and Danny Addy are set to return after injury tomorrow but there is no place for Etu Uaisele.

Workington have included Wigan prospect James Greenwood in their squad on dual-registration as they seek to bounce back from last weekend's mauling.

Tahraoui said: "This week will be different and they will have the Wigan players – but that could work as a disadvantage for Workington because they're not used to playing with them week in and week out. They might want to do their own thing and it might throw them off their game.

"Workington will have in the back of their minds the fact we have put a big score on them last Sunday. But we just need to stay focused and make sure we improve from last week's performance."