Chris Nero today hopes to persuade Steve McNamara he is fit to play against St Helens.

The in-form centre missed the last two games after dislocating his shoulder in Good Friday’s victory over Leeds Rhinos.

But he has made a speedy recovery and believes he could be in contention for this Friday’s trip to Super League leaders St Helens.

It is less than two weeks since the injury but Bradford need all the reinforcements they can muster after a couple of dodgy performances.

McNamara must name his 19-man squad this afternoon and last night Nero admitted: “At the moment it’s up in the air.

“The physio said on Monday that I had no chance but the shoulder felt fine today and I am still hoping to play.

“I had an ankle problem recently and they thought I had no chance then but I still ended up playing.

“I feel I can pretty much do everything now and can move the shoulder around freely.

“It’s just whether there’s enough strength there.”

Nero, 28, is the third Bull to endure the injury this season but unlike David Solomona did not require surgery.

“The shoulder went straight back in after a few seconds and importantly it went in at the back,” he explained.

“At the front, that’s hard to put in again and leaves the shoulder often needing an operation.

“As for playing, I might still have to wait until next week.

“That might be more likely but I’d love to play at Saints.”