BRADFORD Bulls have had a chronic run of injuries all season, and they currently have nine first-teamers absent.

With that in mind, the club have moved to give an update on those absentees, with some worrying uncertainty surrounding two players.

Second row Chester Butler is a guaranteed starter when fit, and has been in all three seasons he has spent at Bulls.

But following his return from the oblique injury that has been keeping him out, Butler has been having issues with his hamstring.

This is something that has plagued him in the past, yet scans have shown no obvious injury to his hamstring.

It means his situation is currently under investigation by the medical team and his return date is unsurprisingly unknown.

Poor Will Oakes showed real promise out on the wing at York before a couple of bad injuries set him back.

A move to Bulls was supposed to offer him a chance to rediscover his best form in 2024, but he is yet to start a single competitive game.

Even worse, Bradford have confirmed that Oakes has developed chronic ankle instability, admitting it has knocked the luckless winger’s confidence and motivation.

Bull are trying multiple tactics to rectify the situation, but it means his rehabilitation is stalling. 

Both look to be potentially out for the season, though head coach Eamon O’Carroll will be hopeful of a breakthrough in the Butler mystery.

It was confirmed a while ago that full back Billy Jowitt would be out for the year, but four weeks have now passed since he had shoulder surgery.

That appears to have been a success, and he is now building towards being fit for the start of the 2025 season.

Michael Lawrence’s leadership has been missed at times this season, but the skipper has now completed his rehabilitation from injury and is training with the squad again.

The prop is therefore in contention to start this weekend’s Betfred Championship game with Whitehaven.

Michael Lawrence could be back to face Whitehaven this Sunday.Michael Lawrence could be back to face Whitehaven this Sunday. (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Fellow experienced front rower Dan Smith is coming towards the end of his 10-week calf injury, and is expected to be playing again at the end of August.

It is the same time frame for another prop, with Ebon Scurr due to return for the trip to Doncaster or home game against Dewsbury, after suffering a calf problem in training.

Half back Lee Gaskell, so integral to Bulls at the back end of last season, is progressing well following the hamstring issue he suffered at home to Doncaster in June, and he could return for the reverse fixture in South Yorkshire on August 25.

Centre Joe Arundel may have a little longer to wait, after being hit by a calf issue on his return from a chronic knee injury.

Bulls do not expect him back until the potentially crucial play-off race game at Sheffield in September.

There is some better news for prop Jordan Baldwinson, who could be back next weekend to face Featherstone, after a bone injury in his knee appears to have cleared up following an injection.