Jarrod Sammut believes the potential absence of Luke Gale at the start of the season will place added responsibility on his shoulders.

Scrum half Gale is currently recuperating after an ankle operation and facing a race against time for the Super League opener at home to Wakefield on February 3.

Gale sustained the injury on England Knights duty at the end of the season and may now miss the chance to partner Sammut in the halves against Richard Agar’s men.

Stand-off Sammut said: “It was unlucky for Galey to get injured during his time with the Knights, especially as his selection was just reward for the outstanding season he’d had.

“Now it’s up to myself and a few of the other senior lads in the squad to really take charge of the group and make sure we continue to move forward.

“Fingers crossed Galey will be fit for the opening round, but if not then we’ll have to step up to the plate and make sure he is not too badly missed.”

Sammut, meanwhile, believes the Bulls will reap the benefits of their recent kicking session with renowned rugby kicking coach Jon Callard.

Harrogate-based Callard, 46, took an hour-long practical session in technique for place-kicking and goal-kicking with Sammut, Brett Kearney, Curtis Naughton, Danny Addy, Adam O’Brien, Heath L’Estrange and Matt Diskin.

It is hoped that Callard will give the Bulls further sessions in the new year and Sammut added: “Jon brought in some really interesting things that we will work on in the next few weeks and try and take forward into the new season.

“We didn’t really do anything like that last year, but Franny knows Jon’s pedigree and that’s why he has got him in working with us.

“Kicking is a big part of our game and if we can get our technique as close to perfection as possible then it can only increase our chances of success.

“It could be the turning point in a game and could determine whether we win or lose.

“Jon taught us some very useful techniques with our body position and striking mechanisms when kicking the ball to get a nice distance on it.

“I think the next session with him will be geared more towards achieving accuracy, so we can then put both into practice.”