The Bulls are hoping to welcome significant reinforcements at half-back ahead of Sunday’s clash with Catalans Dragons.

Forced to field two back-rowers in the halves during last week’s defeat at Hull KR, acting head coach Lee St Hilaire will be keeping his fingers crossed both Paul Sykes and Brett Kearney return to action.

Sykes is available after serving a two-game ban for a supposed ‘spear tackle’ on Harlequins’ Oliver Wilkes, while Kearney is on the mend after a foot injury kept him out at Craven Park.

The former Cronulla star had to pull out in the hours leading up to the game, meaning St Hilaire was forced to call on Steve Menzies to fill the void at No 6.

Despite playing virtually all of his rugby at loose forward this season, Menzies filled in admirably, while fellow back-rower Danny Addy continued to deputise at scrum half.

But the return of the absent duo gives St Hilaire more options and he could opt to deploy Sykes at stand-off and Kearney at scrum half for the visit of the Dragons.

“Brett could hardly walk before the Hull KR game so it was unfair to ask him to run us around the field,” said St Hilaire.

“He was hobbling at the end of the Salford game and he tried to stay off the injury in training but just wasn’t ready.

“Hopefully both he and Paul Sykes will be available this week.”

Rikki Sheriffe could also force himself back into contention after being dropped for the trip to Hull KR.

Vinny Finigan and Stuart Reardon were preferred on the wings at Craven Park, meaning Sheriffe had to settle for a place in the Under-20s and he responded with two tries in a 48-28 win.

St Hilaire said: “Rikki played well for the reserves and the way he responded showed his character. Over the past few weeks he’s not come up to scratch but he copped it on the chin and has played himself back into contention.”

Jason Crookes will provide added competition for places in the back-line after coming through his second game for the Under-20s unscathed, while Nick Scruton is making good progress – both following serious knee injuries.

Scruton is on course to return for the trip to St Helens on Friday, August 13.

“Scrutes is at about 80 per cent right now,” said St Hilaire.

“It will be good to get him back, although I have to praise Craig Kopczak and Steve Crossley for the way they have stepped up in his absence.

“We’re gradually getting bodies back, which will help us in our remaining games.”