Nick Scruton will tie the knot today to cap a momentous year off the pitch – but is already looking ahead to a massive 2013 on it.

The Bulls prop endured an injury-stricken campaign during 2012 after being sidelined by a long-term shoulder problem.

It was another cruel blow for the former Leeds man after an operation to repair ligament damage in his wrist forced him to miss the end of the 2011 season.

Despite making little more than a handful of first-team appearances last term, it has been a life-changing time for Scruton away from rugby league after he became a father for the first time.

His long-term partner Alice gave birth to baby George on March 2 and the couple will marry today.

Scruton, 27, said: “It has been a big year for me – Alice and I moved into our house, had a baby and now we’re getting married this weekend.

“George is nearly nine months old and is absolutely flying.

“It’s been two years since we started planning the wedding and I’m looking forward to it actually happening now.

“We’ve been together for about five years and I’m ready to take the plunge I think!”

Yet behind Scruton’s smile was a steely determination to re-establish himself at Odsal after the agonies of his injury woes.

The Bulls’ pack has been decimated by the departure of Craig Kopczak, Bryn Hargreaves, Olivier Elima and Tom Burgess.

Scruton admitted: “I’ve not really been around the place for the last 12 to 18 months.

“It’s just been one injury after another – that’s what it feels like – so I’m just enjoying being out there with the lads at the minute.

" I’ve gone from being a zero last year to probably having to step up to the mark this year now.

“We’re short of numbers and we’ve got a light pack, so the established forwards at the club are going to have to really step up.

“That’s myself, Manase Manuokafoa, Elliott Whitehead and Jamie Langley – we’re going to have to pull our weight so it’s going to be a big year for myself.”

Scruton was available for the final few weeks of last season but the form of others meant he was left frustrated on the sidelines until Kopczak’s shock departure afforded him a return in the final-day defeat at Catalan Dragons.

“It was frustrating because I’d been fit for four weeks before the Catalan game and had played in the Under-20s,” said Scruton.

“I had to wait my turn and it was good to get that hit-out in Perpignan.

“It was just a shame the season ended there and then.

“It would have been nice to have sneaked into the play-offs. It wasn’t to be but that’s just given us motivation for this season.”