NATHAN Conroy is prepared to be patient as he waits for another first-team opportunity with the Bulls.

The home-grown hooker has featured just once this season after coming off the bench in the win at Batley in round five.

He recently spent a month on loan at Oxford but picked up a wrist injury which has left him sidelined.

Yet Conroy remains determined to prove to Jimmy Lowes that he is worthy of a place in the Bulls team.

"I'm just grateful to have played for Oxford because if it wasn't for the opportunity there, I wouldn't be playing at all," said the Bradford-born 20-year-old.

"Hopefully when I'm fit again, my time at Oxford will stand me in good stead for when Jimmy needs me.

"I've enjoyed it at Oxford and I've had a couple of games where I've played 80 minutes.

"Obviously you want to be playing at a higher standard but it's good for getting game-time.

"Full credit to Oxford for taking a few of us Bradford lads on board and letting us have a dig.

"I'm training my hardest and am doing everything I can to get in the team at the Bulls.

"I just want a chance to prove myself because I know once I get there I can perform well.

"The more experience and game-time I get, the better player I will become."

Conroy is in a similar situation to Vila Halafihi in that he cannot displace Adam O'Brien as the Bulls' first-choice hooker.

"The squad is so big this year and Adam O'Brien is probably having his best-ever season," said Conroy.

"He's playing some great rugby – and Vila has done well when he has stepped in, so it's just about training as hard as I can and fighting for my position."

Conroy has enjoyed his game-time at League One side Oxford, adding: "It's more physical but not as fast and there are more errors, so that means there are more scrums.

"The level is still pretty good and it still gets into your lungs. They have really looked after us when we have been down there."