Super sub Paul Medley is hoping to put a frustrating spell behind him and win a regular spot for the struggling champions.

The speedy Bulls second-rower staked his claim with a try-scoring appearance as substitute in the 11-10 defeat at Salford on Sunday and is keen to take another step towards full match fitness against Super League basement outfit Huddersfield Giants at Odsal on Sunday night.

"My fitness is obviously down and there are others aspects I can brush up on but hopefully that will come over the next couple of weeks," said the long serving forward in his ninth season at Odsal.

And he has one eye too on a century of touchdowns for the club having notched his 98th at The Willows.

"Sunday's effort was a long time coming but hopefully I won't have to wait as long for the next two," explained Medley who wore a special protective arm guard to protect a troublesome injury.

Back in the fold at last he is eager to make up for lost time but believes there are no easy solutions to the side's current problems which resulted in three successive defeats.

"The result was disappointing on Sunday but in the circumstances we just have to keep battling away. Scoring the try gave us a lift but we just did not find that piece of magic or killer edge."

The Bulls have beaten off competition from Super League clubs on both sides of the Pennines to sign highly rated teenager Aaron Smith.

The 15-year-old is currently playing with Hunslet Warriors and has represented Yorkshire Schools and Leeds Schools at under-16 level. He is a loose forward who is equally as effective at hooker.

Assistant coach Brian Noble said: "We are delighted that Aaron has decided to join us. We believe that he has a big future in the game. He has a good pair of hands and can step off both feet. More importantly he has a first class attitude and he is a dream to coach."

He will join the Bulls full-time when he leaves school next year.

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