RHYS Lovegrove looks all but certain to earn a permanent deal at the Bulls, managing director Steve Ferres has revealed.

The former Hull KR forward arrived at Odsal last week on a one-month trial before making his debut in Saturday’s thumping win at Whitehaven.

He came off the bench to make his mark along with fellow debutant Mitch Clark, with the pair’s performances drawing praise from head coach Jimmy Lowes.

Although Lovegrove remains on trial, Ferres admits the Bulls are already thinking about keeping the 28-year-old Aussie on board at Odsal for the rest of the year.

“Rhys Lovegrove is an experienced prop forward with over 120 Super League appearances under his belt,” said Ferres.

“He’s not the biggest but he carries well, is strong in defence and has a steely determination about him.

“He could become a leader within the pack, so he adds something to the team, as does Richie Mathers with his experience.

“We’re pretty confident that Rhys will do a good job for us and I have no doubt whatsoever that we will be keen to hang on to him.

“We’re having a good look at him and he’s having a good look at us, so we’ll take it from there.

“His match stats from the Whitehaven game showed his value to the team and, to say he hadn’t played with us before, I think Rhys acquitted himself very well indeed.

“He is also versatile in that he can play prop and back row.”

The arrival of Lovegrove and emergence of Clark has raised question marks over players such as Epalahame Lauaki, who was axed for the Whitehaven game.

Ferres is to meet with his head coach to discuss the way forward for the players currently not in Lowes' plans.

Ferres said: “We have got to start looking at the squad that we’ve got and we need to get certain players some game-time.

“I’m sitting down with Jimmy today so we will decide who needs to play elsewhere and then take it from there.”