Cummins adopts safety-first policy over Bulls quartet (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Francis Cummins adopts safety-first policy over Bradford Bulls quartet

8:00am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Luke Gale could be back as soon as early April after ankle surgery

Bulls coach Francis Cummins will not risk any of his players carrying knocks against Catalan this weekend unless he is convinced about their fitness.

Matt Diskin was struck down by a mystery illness after the recent draw at Widnes and Matty Blythe (ankle), Jamie Langley (groin) and Chev Walker (ankle) also picked up injuries during that game.

All four men subsequently missed Sunday’s home win over Hull KR, which saw James Donaldson forced off after being knocked out and Keith Lulia limp out of the action with a 'dead leg'.

Cummins expects the pair to be passed fit but will wait on his other players, saying: “Keith is still limping around but he’s telling me he’s going to be fine.

“We’ll check on Keith later in the week because obviously the travelling does affect 'dead legs'.

“He’s got to be 100 per cent before we give him the nod.

“James Donaldson got knocked out and was a bit poorly for a little while but he should be fine.

“Matt Diskin sees a specialist today to see what has been affecting him, and we’ll give Chev, Matty and Langers another couple of days.

“But again, if they’re not 100 cent then I’m not going to risk them. We can’t be throwing people in who are on one leg.”

Luke Gale could be back in action early next month as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Cummins added: “Luke has almost been given the all-clear to start his rehab again now.

“He’s having his first running session today and, apart from his injury, he’s looking in great shape.

“He could come into contention for the back end of the Easter period.”

Bulls owner Omar Khan, meanwhile, will seek to strengthen links with Catalan when he meets with the Dragons’ managing director Christophe Jouffret in Perpignan this weekend.

The pair have developed a close working relationship since Khan took over the Bulls last September.

The Bulls chairman said: “I’ve met with Christophe three or four times now and spoken about how we can make our respective businesses bigger and better.

“It’s all about networking and getting the businesses we work with in Bradford to work with businesses in France.

“Christophe was very excited about the possibilities because there is so much business out in France for the companies who support the Bulls.

“Similarly, there are great opportunities here in Bradford for the businesses in France supporting Catalan.

“I am networking between them all and getting them together, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for everybody.

“During these tough economic times, it’s nice to have these opportunities which are being created by our clubs.”