Paul Sykes has been slapped with a two-game ban after pleading guilty to a dangerous tackle during last week’s 35-18 defeat at Harlequins.

The Bulls stand-off was charged with a grade C offence for a supposed spear tackle on Oliver Wilkes and also received a £300 fine.

It means Sykes will miss Sunday’s game against Salford, as well as the following week’s trip to Hull KR, leaving Bradford seriously short of half-backs.

Matt Orford is already ruled out long-term due to shoulder surgery, so 18-year-old academy star Cain Southernwood could be recalled to the side after missing the last two games.

Lee St Hilaire may also look to switch Brett Kearney from full back to the halves for his first game in caretaker charge, while hooker Heath L’Estrange is another option at No 7.