Robbie Paul and academy prospect Richard Dobson are the only hookers at the Bulls available for selection after it emerged that Karl Pratt faces minor shoulder surgery that will keep him out of action for between three and five weeks.

Pratt, who has had three previous shoulder surgeries - including two reconstructions - has struggled with shoulder pain throughout pre-season training.

"It's just a clean-up," said Pratt. "I had the same thing done at the start of last year and they said the recovery time would be five weeks, but I was back in three. Hopefully that will be the same again and I will just miss the one match." Ryan Hudson, recruited from Castleford during the off-season to be the club's first choice hooker, is the subject on an RFL doping probe and has been suspended by the club.

With Aaron Smith and Richard Colley departing during the off-season, Paul is the only fit hooker at the club with Super League experience.

Last week the club was reported to have made a tentative approach to Wigan over the availability of Great Britain hooker Terry Newton, however Paul was in good form against Huddersfield and looks likely to fill the role for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, coach Brian Noble pronounced himself happy with Sunday's performance, and particularly with the powerful display of Australian signing Brad Meyers.

"He's dynamic, he's got good leg drive and good feet for a big man, a good offload and good skills. I thought he went great."

Canterbury Bulldogs, meanwhile, have not taken up an offer for an opposed training session with the Bulls ahead of their World Club Challenge clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday night.

l The Bulls Under-21s take on Halifax in a friendly at Odsal on Thursday night (7.30pm). Admission is free.