Leon Pryce knows the next two weeks are probably the most important of his career so far.

He has two games in which to stake his claim for a place in the squad to face Leeds Rhinos at Murrayfield on April 29.

Bulls fans held their breath as their young hero was helped off the field at the McAlpine a fortnight ago in obvious agony after dislocating a shoulder.

Fortunately X-rays showed no lasting damage but after being left out last week against Castleford as a precaution it has left him with a pretty tight schedule to force his way back into contention.

"It's been a very frustrating spell," admits Pryce. "I was in terrible pain at the time and of course the fact that you may miss the cup final crosses your mind.

"I was very relieved when the damage was not as bad as I first thought but now I need to get back on the field.

"It feels OK now and I just need to get some confidence back. I am getting there slowly but I certainly want to be involved in the final and hopefully I can do the business in the next couple of games."

But he knows that being restored to full fitness is not the only obstacle in his way with such stiff competition for three-quarter places.

The form of the likes of new Aussie Justin Brooker and Nathan McAvoy has really turned up the heat and it's by no means certain at this stage that one of the real stars of Super League IV will face the Rhinos.

Pryce said: "The competition for places is part and parcel of being with a successful club and that is a big factor in our start to the season."

The side is currently averaging over 48 points per game in Super League but Pryce has not altogether been surprised with the speed at which the Bulls have come out of the blocks.

"We were a good side last year but we have moved on to another level this time," he said.

"Brad Mackay has been a great signing and with Robbie Paul right back to his best the ball is finding the backs in great positions.

"On top of that the pack are setting such a great platform and taking us forward so well that the backs have a lot of room to run into.

"The team spirit is great and we have a few more strings to our bow this season."

If Pryce doesn't make it tomorrow he's already been pencilled in for a half-back outing against London Broncos on Good Friday.

Coach Matthew Elliott sees Pryce and Paul Deacon as the ideal partnership behind the scrum with the Paul brothers away on international duty.

And Pryce is looking forward to the prospect.

"I played in the halves in the friendly with Leeds on Boxing Day and did enjoy getting the ball in my hands so much," he said.

"But at the moment I just want to get back on the field and back into the swing of things. I haven't really been happy with my form so far but I don't feel I am that far away.

"I feel like one try could spark me off again. That's all I need right now."

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