Bradford Bulls' classy Aussie loose forward Brad Mackay can strengthen his case for top individual honours at the end of the season when he makes a welcome return from injury at Wakefield tomorrow.

The man widely regarded as the best new recruit in Super League this term has won widespread praise for his contribution to the Bulls' cause and surely won't be far off when the prestigious Man of Steel prizes are handed out in October.

"He's certainly the top overseas recruit of the campaign," says Bulls chairman Chris Caisley.

"It's probably a bit too early to start talking about awards yet because there is a fair bit of rugby to go and who catches the eye in the play-offs can often have a big say in where the prizes go.

"But certainly if he continues where he left off I don't think he is going to be too far away.

"The great thing about him is that not only does he possess all the skills required, but he has mixed so well.

"It's like he's been around a long time such is his contribution on and off the field."

The 1990 Kangaroo tourist's defensive qualities have been particularly important and his departure with a side strain against Wigan was seen by many pundits as one of the decisive factors in that defeat.

But after missing the London and Hull games he's expected to lock the scrum again tomorrow allowing Mike Forshaw and Stuart Fielden to return to their more familiar positions in the second and front row respectively.

Otherwise the only other change will be on the bench where Paul Anderson, a starter last week, is likely to replace Lee Radford.

Coach Matthew Elliott says: "There are some tough decisions to make this week. We will have Brad back and that gives us a solid-looking 18-man squad with everyone desperate to play.

"We also have David Boyle and Michael Withers looking to return in the next few weeks so no one will want to be the one left out.

"We have trained very well this week and put in a lot of hard work."