ALEX Mellor has described his injury blow as a kick in the teeth after being ruled out for a minimum of ten weeks.

The highly-regarded Bulls back-rower has established himself as a first-team regular this season but was stuck down by injury during Sunday's thumping win over Doncaster.

The 20-year-old academy product sustained a medial ligament tear to his knee and had to be helped off the field.

He is now targeting a successful rehabilitation and a return to action in late August for the Super Eights, when the promotion hopes of Jimmy Lowes' side will be decided.

Mellor said: "It's a bit of a kick in the teeth – but what hurts most is the fact that I was getting regular game-time under Jimmy.

"It's very frustrating but I'm firmly focused on my rehab' and getting back in the team in time for the Super Eights."

Mellor had a short spell on the sidelines earlier this season after spraining his ankle during the home win over Hunslet in March.

But the athletic and hard-working forward has otherwise featured prominently this term and his recent displays suggested he was on course to stake a claim to become the Bulls' first-choice loose forward.

Mellor's absence could open the door for Frenchman Jean-Philippe Baile to enjoy a run of games in that position following his own recent encouraging form.