DAVE Petersen has vowed to force his way into the Bulls team as he prepares to turn out for League 1 outfit Oxford tomorrow.

The former Hull KR man has yet to feature for Jimmy Lowes’ side following his close-season signing from the Mackay Cutters.

Petersen has endured a nightmare ankle injury which required surgery and, now fully fit, he has been dual-registered with Oxford as he looks to get some much-needed game time under his belt.

The loose forward is in line to feature in tomorrow’s home match against York City Knights and Nathan Conroy and Adam Brook are also likely to play.

The homegrown duo have joined Tim Rumford’s side on one-month loan deals and Petersen is raring to go after his gruelling road to recovery.

The 23-year-old said: “It was actually an injury from my last game in Australia when I damaged ligaments in my ankle.

“I snapped the syndesmosis ligament between the bones and a couple of other ones in my ankle.

“I had a boot on for a while and then came back, but it wasn’t right so I had an operation and then another one, so it hasn't been the best of times.

“My rehab didn’t go to plan and I’ve had a couple more operations than I wanted, but now I’m fully fit and raring to go.

“With any injuries it’s frustrating and not ideal coming to a new club when you can’t get out there and prove your worth.

“I trained hard throughout pre-season doing what I could and I’m just looking forward to getting some game-time under my belt now.

“I’ve got to get my match fitness back and get in the squad."

But Petersen knows he faces a big challenge to claw his way up the pecking order.

“Obviously it’s going to be a fight to get a place with us having a massive squad with plenty of people in my position," he said.

“Loose forward is where I want to be playing and I know I’ve got Danny Addy in front of me.

“He’s a great player with all the talent in the world, so it’s not going to be easy.

“But if I have to fit into the squad wherever, then that’s what I’ll do because I can play hooker and across the back row.

“Jimmy knows what I’ve got to offer and I’m sure I’ll get my opportunity. When I do, I need to take it.”

Lowes believes all three players will benefit from playing for Oxford, with Brook yet to make his senior debut and Conroy having made just one substitute appearance this year.

The homegrown 20-year-olds are too old for the Bulls’ Academy side and are badly in need of game-time.

Lowes said: “Given the position we find ourselves in, without the ability to operate a reserve side, it makes it difficult to keep everybody match fit and active, so this is an ideal fit for us.

“Adam and Nathan are now too old to play at Under-19s level and we have a very big squad.

“Dave, on the other hand, desperately needs to get some minutes under his belt, having not played in a very long time.

“He has really suffered with an ankle injury since late last year but is now good to go.

“For his own state of mind, though, and in terms of his confidence, he needs to get out there and work his way back up to full match fitness.

“I am sure the agreement will prove beneficial for everyone involved. I know the boys are looking forward to going down there and playing a part for Oxford.”

Petersen is confident that he will called on by Lowes as the season unfolds, especially as the Bulls are currently battling a number of injuries.

Lowes has delayed naming his 19-man squad until today as he checks on the fitness of several players.

Petersen added: “Injuries happen and I actually had a full shoulder reconstruction at the start of my Super League career.

“It is a long season and, though I know we’ve got a big squad, injuries do happen and when my opportunity comes I need to be ready.

“The Championship is a good league and a few teams have surprised us and we’ve not been as good as we should have been against some sides.

“As soon as we do click, I reckon we’ll be pretty much unstoppable.”