Tom Olbison will miss Sunday’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth-round tie at home to Oldham after being handed a one-match ban.

The Bulls forward was found guilty by an RFL Disciplinary Tribunal of placing undue pressure on the neck of Danny Tickle during Sunday’s defeat at Widnes.

Olbison, who pleaded not guilty to Grade C dangerous contact, was also fined £300 after the tribunal downgraded the offence to Grade B following an appeal by the Bulls.

Dale Ferguson could come into contention to face Oldham after it was revealed he is six weeks ahead of schedule in his recovery from a back operation.

The Scotland international said: “I was initially told I could be looking at ten weeks on the sidelines, so to be informed I am getting close – just a couple of weeks after the operation – is very pleasing.

“It has been a massively frustrating period for me. I have only made one appearance so far this year and I was far from my best. But I am back in training, which is going well, and am now simply waiting for the message telling me I am clear to play.

“My focus is pretty much fixed on getting back to full health in the next couple of weeks or so and working my way into the team.”

Lee Gaskell, who sustained a knee injury against Wakefield on February 20, is also closing in on a return to full fitness.