Tom Olbison has started every match so far this season and enjoyed one of his best games in a Bulls jersey during last weekend’s rousing win over Hull KR.

His tireless contribution earned him the man-of-the-match honours in the 34-12 win and confirmed his worth to coach Francis Cummins.

Olbison and Elliott Whitehead have been the regular second-rowers this season, and Chev Walker has been highly impressive at loose forward.

But James Donaldson returned to action last month and John Bateman did likewise last week, giving Cummins much food for thought.

The likes of Jamie Langley, Jobe Murphy and Danny Addy are also vying for inclusion in the second row, if not now then in the coming weeks.

Olbison, at least, is doing his best to make himself indispensable, and said of the Hull KR win: “It was a great effort from all the boys considering we had so many players missing.

“To pick anyone out as a man of the match was probably a tough job for anyone.

“The boys have just got to fit in wherever we can and it’s good that we can adapt to playing in different positions.

“But to be pulling on that starting shirt and be digging in with the boys is great.

“In past seasons I’ve been in and out and not quite performing as well as I should be, and been on the bench.

“To be starting is a massive boost, but you’ve still got to prove yourself in order to keep it. To do that is a good feeling, definitely.”

Leeds-born Olbison, who turned 22 earlier this week, puts his form down to an increased confidence in his own ability, which has stemmed from improved fitness levels.

“Have I changed anything? Not really. I’m probably a bit more confident with the players I’m around,” said Olbison.

“We’ve got a lot fitter and you can last longer but I don’t think my mindset has changed on anything.

“What went on last year and how hard we’ve dug in this year has led to a bit of confidence between us all.”

Olbison is known to England coach Steve McNamara and he knows more impressive performances could propel him into contention for the England Knights.

He added: “As I’ve said before, you just have to keep performing for your club and then whatever comes on the back of that is good news. I’ll keep plugging away.”

Today, Olbison is poised to cross swords with a couple of former team-mates in Steve Menzies and Olivier Elima.

“I’ve played against Beaver a couple of times but coming up against Ollie will be good,” he said.

“He’ll definitely be up for this weekend. He’ll come fired up because that’s the type of player he is.

“We’ve just got to get stuck into him and try and calm him down.”