Flying winger Tevita Vaikona has been ruled out for another month after failing to recover from his Achilles problem.

The charismatic Tongan was a double try-scorer against Hunslet and featured in the Odsal Homecoming but his return will not be sustained after he once again succumbed to an inflamed tendon.

And Vaikona admits he will be struggling to return in time for the Challenge Cup final were the Bulls to progress from their semi-final tie.

"I think it is worse getting injured after coming back than not coming back at all," said Vaikona, who seemed a little off the pace in the Homecoming victory over Wakefield nine days ago.

"An Achilles is one of the most delicate parts of a sportsman's body and you can never tell how it is going to go.

"I don't know whether it is my footwear, the way I run, my rehab, if I came back too early - it could be anything.

"It came pretty close to snapping apparently but it is just badly inflamed and it is one of those things you have to put up with in this sport."

Vaikona was one of 11 players to miss training yesterday as the Bulls' early-season injury misery continues.

He was joined by Rob Parker (ankle), Lee Radford (heel), Joe Vagana (hamstring), Robbie Paul (neck), while Paul Anderson and Danny Gartner were both laid low with flu.

Paul Deacon missed out with a hip problem, Karl Pratt was absent for personal reasons, Leon Pryce was attending court, while Jamie Peacock continues his rehabilitation from a broken hand.