Bulls winger Dave Halley has joined Super League rivals Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on loan.

The 22-year-old heads to Belle Vue initially for a month and could debut at the weekend.

Wildcats have been in the market for another three-quarter, with winger Matt Petersen out and former Bulls centre Ryan Atkins crocked in their friendly against St Helens.

Halley – who can also play full back – is seen as ideal cover and Bradford chief Steve McNamara has accepted opposite number John Kear’s offer.

“The deal suits both Dave and Wakefield as well as us at this moment in time,” he said.

“He needs to be playing at the start of the season and his prospects of starting at Wakefield are very good.

“I’ve spoken to Dave regarding his whole pre-season – where he is and where he needs to be.

“Wakefield said he will play in all the games for them during the next month and we feel it will benefit everyone.”

Halley should make his Wildcats bow in Sunday’s friendly against Doncaster before their Super League opener at Wigan next week.

He is also scheduled to tackle champions Leeds Rhinos (a), Salford City Reds (h) and Warrington Wolves (h) during his four-week stint.

The Wales international came on in the Bulls’ first warm-up match against Dewsbury last Friday but soon departed again after suffering a stiff back in the heavy conditions.

Halley, who hoped to increase his weight and strength during pre-season to help improve on last year’s performances at Odsal, will now aim to build up his fitness while at Wakefield.

He scored nine tries in 23 games last year but the arrival of Rikki Sheriffe has increased competition and the former Harlequins flier is now clearly ahead of Halley in the pecking order. Sheriffe is expected to join last season’s top scorer Semi Tadulala as McNamara’s starting widemen when Bradford’s campaign kicks-off in London next week.

As back-up, teenage centre Jason Crookes impressed at Dewsbury and he can play on the wing, as can England centre Paul Sykes with Steve Menzies offering three-quarter support.

Kiwi winger Tame Tupou is also closer to full fitness after last year’s knee surgery.