BRADFORD Bulls head coach Mark Dunning says he cares passionately about his players, meaning he and his staff have “put their arms round” Jack Walker over the past few days.

Walker’s hamstring issue that he picked up in last Sunday’s win over Whitehaven will keep him out “for a while”, the latest injury for the talented full-back in a career littered with them.

Discussing the 23-year-old, Dunning said: “The injury will keep him out for a while, but he’s doing well, and we’ve all put our arms round him.

“There’ll be no time frame given by the club, we’ll give an update when he’s close to returning, but let’s just say it’s not the end of the world.

“I care passionately about my players, and I’ve spoken to Jack every day since his injury.

“I’ve got his back, as do the club, and the medical team are already working with him to ensure he returns from injury as the best version of himself.”

Dunning has options at full-back in Walker’s absence, saying: “What Tom Holmes delivered in there when Jack went off last weekend was no surprise to me, as I knew he had that in his locker.

“George Flanagan Jr is another good option to have in there, as he’s someone we see as an outstanding prospect.”

It is not just Walker who Bulls have looked out for this week, with new boy Keven Appo being integrated straight after arriving in England on Monday.

Dunning said: “I spent a good chunk of Monday with Keven, and he trained with us for the first time on Tuesday.

“I took him out for dinner on Wednesday and he went for a coffee with the lads on Thursday as well.

“He trained again on Thursday night, and fair play to him, his fitness is where he said it was.

“Everyone has to earn their right to get into this side though. You can be the fittest in the squad, but I’ll still want you to bed in with your team-mates first.”