With time fast running out on his distinguished career, a ten-week lay-off hurt more than ever for Marcus Bai - so no wonder he is excited ahead of his long-awaited return.

Super League XI could be the Papuan's final season and an enforced absence due to severe knee ligament damage has been hard to bear.

The powerful winger hopes to return to the fray at Wakefield tomorrow night though and quickly make up for those lost games.

"I am desperate to get back," said 33-year-old Bai, pictured, having been crocked since May 13.

"It's been a really frustrating time for myself. I was loving my rugby at Bradford before this and it has been my first injury in six years, so I am glad it's now nearly over."

A robust performer, Bai had been one of the Bulls' best players in the opening 13 rounds following his move from Leeds.

A terrific work-rate saw him ease the workload of his forwards and the veteran weighed in with ten tries as well before coming a cropper at Harlequins.

However, he now faces some stiff competition for a spot, with replacement Marcus St Hilaire, in particular, and Great Britain hopeful Karl Pryce both impressing in his absence.

"At the moment a lot of the boys are playing good and I know I might not get selected, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens," said Bai.

"Junior (St Hilaire) has been playing really well for ten weeks and even before that, when he was switching from full back to wing and back again.

"He's been consistent and strong while there's Karl, Les (Vainikolo) and Smithers (Andy Smith) all looking for wing spots.

"But that will make everyone play better and I'm excited about it from now until the end of the season.

"Hopefully if I'm fit enough I will be in - but if not, I might have to play with the under-21s to get some match fitness!"

Bai only signed a one-year deal last winter, with a view to retiring at the end of this campaign.

But the former Melbourne Storm star impressed so much in those opening three months that boss Steve McNamara is keen to persuade him not to hang up his boots.

A deal is currently on the table but the player wants to make the right decision for everyone involved.

A proud and dedicated individual throughout his career, Bai will not now settle for second best in a bid to extend his stay in the game.

"I want to be honest to myself and if I come back next year I have got to be 100 per cent," he admitted.

"I don't want to get injured, play a match, then be about again, play a couple. It's not good for the club or for me and it's not the way I want to finish my career off either.

"If we do get to the Grand Final and win it this year, then I think I will call it a day regardless.

"If not, I've got a decision to make and there's plenty of rugby to be played before then as well.

"I want to play first and see how I react from the injury. Maybe in four or five weeks, I'll know, but the club has been great and there's no pressure."