KARL Davies has fixed his sights firmly on forcing his way back into Jimmy Lowes’ plans following his long-awaited comeback from injury.

The Aussie prop, nicknamed ‘The Lumberjack’, has yet to feature for the Bulls this term after picking an ankle injury during pre-season which required an operation.

But he played almost 70 minutes for Oxford during their League One defeat at Newcastle Thunder last weekend and should soon be pushing for a first-team spot at Odsal.

The close-season signing from the Mackay Cutters said: “It was great to get back out there playing again.

“Newcastle are a strong side with some big fellas and it was pretty physical at times.

“I played almost 70 minutes, so it was good to get a good stint under my belt.

“Overall, I felt pretty good. In defence I can pick up a little bit but in attack I thought I was pretty strong.”

Davies had showed some promising signs for the Bulls in their pre-season outings at Castleford and Leeds.

He appeared set to stake a claim for a place in Lowes’ top 17 before rolling his ankle during pre-season training.

The injury required an operation which has left Davies a frustrated spectator for the first half of the season.

He added: “I rolled my ankle and I thought I was only going to be out for a few weeks, but I ended up needing an operation.

“I was pretty gutted because I thought I went alright during pre-season.

“It was unfortunate but that’s footy and these things happen.

“I’ve just got to work hard and get back in the Bradford team now.

“Playing for Oxford was a step in the right direction and hopefully I’ll be pushing for a place at Bradford in the next few weeks.”

Davies is set to play for Oxford again this weekend, along with Matty Blythe and Adam Brook, although Dave Petersen is nursing a knock and misses out while Nathan Conroy is sidelined with a wrist injury.

Davies said: “I need to put in another good performance because I want to be pushing for a spot back at Bradford.

“The competition is pretty tough here, especially after big Steve Crossley arrived, but if we want to get into Super League at the end of the year then we do need that depth.

“It’s a long season and having that depth means that if we do get a few injuries then we’ve still got a fair few props to call on.”

Last week Davies played alongside Brook, Blythe and Petersen and he is looking forward to Sunday’s home clash with London Skolars.

Davies said: “It makes it a lot easier to make the transition to another team when you’re playing with guys you know.

“Me and Dave were in the middle and when Conroy comes back he will be in the middle as well.

“With Brooky and Blythey being on the same edge, it’s easy for them too.”

Head coach Lowes said Davies would need to work hard to prove himself before coming back into contention for the Bulls’ team.

Lowes said: “Karl has got a long way to go. Just because he’s back had a good hit-out at Oxford, it doesn’t mean he’s going to walk straight back into this playing squad.

“He’s going to spend a bit of time playing at Oxford and we’ll see where he is in the next three or four weeks.”

Jake Mullaney and Steve Crossley are set to remain sidelined with hamstring injuries for Sunday’s trip to Whitehaven.