Bradford Bulls crock Evans just weeks away from comeback (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls crock Ben Evans just weeks away from comeback

7:30am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Ben Evans complete with crutches at the Bulls' pre-season photocall

Ben Evans is aiming to come into contention for his first-ever Super League appearance this month.

The 20-year-old Warrington forward joined the Bulls on a one-year loan deal but was troubled by a hip problem which was only discovered after he arrived at the club.

Evans, who played for Wales against England and France during the autumn international series, underwent surgery in January, rectifying a problem that was believed to have affected him for the past few years and could potentially have been career-ending.

He was ruled out for four months but is making steady progress in his rehab and could be back in time for the hectic Easter schedule at the end of the month, handing Francis Cummins’ small squad a major boost.

“I start running this week and it’s just basically how I’m feeling from there,” said Evans.

“It will be a test for me but if I feel good then I can push on.

“I’ve not put a date on it because I don’t want to get my hopes up but hopefully I’ll be playing in the next three or four weeks.

“It’s obviously been frustrating and I could have had injections and played but I was advised not to by the surgeons. Having the surgery was the right decision.

“Easter is a rough timescale but if the running goes well then it could be sooner.”

Evans is based in Warrington but has regularly stayed in a hotel in Bradford with team-mates to minimise his travelling during his rehab.

He explained: “The operation made travelling difficult so what I’ve been doing is coming up to Bradford and staying overnight.

“That has meant I’ve been going back home only once over the two days and the club have been really good putting me up in a hotel.

“I’ve stayed with a few of the boys as well.

“I’ve been able to drive little journeys but this week will be the longest I’ll have driven for a while.”

Evans is looking ahead positively as he bids to repay the faith of Cummins, who will continue to assess a number of players who picked up knocks at Widnes on Friday.

“I’m chomping at the bit to get involved,” said Evans, whose twin brother Rhys plays as a centre for Warrington.

“Franny gave me this opportunity, so it’s been disappointing to miss the first two months of the season.

“But these things happen and I’ve dealt with it pretty well. The physios and medical staff have been great and the lads have been awesome to be around.

“I just want to get a game under my belt now.”