FIT-AGAIN Alex Mellor is eager for a return to action as the Bulls gear up for two games in four days over Easter.

The highly-rated back-rower has missed the past three matches after spraining his ankle during the home win over Hunslet on March 8.

But Mellor has been included in the 19-man squad for tonight's crunch home clash with Halifax and is keen to resume his impressive early-season form.

The former England academy player said: "The injury has been really frustrating but it was obviously something that couldn't be helped.

"I've only missed three games and I thought it would be worse when I first did it. To get back fit after four weeks is pleasing and I'd love to get back involved straight away.

"It will take time to build my match fitness back up but hopefully that will come back to me when I start playing again."

Mellor is one of several Halifax lads in the Bulls squad and he admits he would love to face his home-town club.

He looks certain to be called upon at some point over the weekend as head coach Jimmy Lowes has said he will rotate his squad for the hectic schedule.

Mellor said: "I'd love to play against Halifax. I've always had a soft spot for them with living there and have always looked out for their results.

"I wouldn't say I supported them but I've have followed their fortunes and it would be an honour to play against them.

"I know James Saltonstall, who is from Halifax and obviously had a little stint here at Bradford last season. Salty's a good lad and someone we need to watch out for."

Mellor was offered a scholarship by Halifax in his mid-teens but he opted to join Bradford and has not looked back.

The imposing 20-year-old, who was handed his first-team debut by Francis Cummins against Warrington in July 2013, said: "I chose to join Bradford when I was 14 and have stuck with them ever since.

"There is a lot of history between Bradford and Halifax, so it's great to renew the rivalry and have two great clubs coming up against each other.

"I'm sure it will be a massive occasion every time we play them this year."

Mellor is in his third season in the Bulls' first-team and he showed his capabilities with some impressive displays in the opening rounds of the campaign.

He is now determined to re-establish himself in Lowes' top 17, although he accepts the competition is fierce in the back-row department.

Mellor said: "I'm just hungry to get going again and I'm looking to get my spot back. I'll work as hard as I can to achieve that.

"Obviously we've got a great set of lads and a great set of players, so it's going to be really hard. But it's a challenge for me and one I'm looking forward to.

"If Jimmy needs me then I'm ready to go. I've kept myself fit and, despite the injury, I think I was back on my feet within a week.

"There are plenty of things you can to do keep fit, such as the exercise bike and certain fitness exercises which kept me up to standard and ticking over."

The Bulls go into tonight's clash on the back of six straight wins since their stormy opening-day defeat to rivals Leigh.

But Mellor believes there is plenty more to come from his side and said: "We're still bonding and still getting to grips with each other.

"But I think as the season goes on that we will become a better side. Hopefully we can build towards something big at the end of the season."