LEE Gaskell has assured Bulls fans he will be back for next month’s grudge match against Leigh as he admitted: “I’m desperate to play in that one.”

The former St Helens star is recovering from a broken jaw sustained after being elbowed in the face by Matt Groat during the visit of Doncaster on June 7.

Groat subsequently told the Telegraph & Argus that there was no malice in the challenge and Gaskell has taken him at his word.

The stand-off was left concussed by Aussie prop Groat, who was handed a three-game ban and a £100 fine, and struggled to eat properly in the days after the match.

But Gaskell has now classed himself as “ahead of schedule” in his recovery and expects to be passed fit for the visit of Paul Rowley’s side to Odsal on Sunday, July 19.

Gaskell, who remains some way off any contact training, said: “It has only been just under three weeks since I broke my jaw but it's feeling a lot better.

“Eating food has become easier and the only things I can't eat is chewy stuff but other than that I'm ahead of schedule.

“Realistically I think I'll be back for the Leigh game – maybe the Sheffield game the week before at a push.

“I don't want to risk it until it's definitely healed but I would imagine I'll be back for the Leigh game.

“It’s a massive game and, in this league, they are the games you want to play in.”

When the sides met at the Leigh Sports Village on the opening day, referee Joe Cobb issued six yellow cards and numerous off-field incidents prompted an RFL investigation.

Leigh rugby director Derek Beaumont was subsequently fined £2,000 by the governing body after his behaviour was deemed to be prejudicial to the interests of the game.

The Bulls, meanwhile, also received a formal warning as to their future behaviour after members of the club were also deemed to have acted in a manner which is prejudicial to the interests of the game.

Gaskell said: “The first game of the season at their place was a big one and we’re going to get a big crowd for the rematch at Odsal.

“That’s the game I want to push for and I will definitely be back for the Super Eights, there is no doubt about that.”

Gaskell’s injury was a real sickener as he was enjoying an outstanding campaign and had not missed a match until being poleaxed by Groat.

“It's just one of things which happens in rugby,” said 24-year-old Gaskell.

“But the most frustrating thing is that I went through and was having a good campaign where I was injury free.

“To be out for six weeks with a broken jaw – which isn't part of the game – is frustrating on my behalf.

“I'm sure he didn't mean it and I read what he said and I accept his apology.

“But I would rather have got injured in a tackle than getting injured just stood there.

“He has said he didn’t mean it and I believe what he said.

“I was going to get my jaw plated but I went to see the specialist and it hasn’t moved out of place, which was the good thing.”

The seriousness of Gaskell’s injury only became apparent as he headed home from Bradford after the Doncaster match.

“To be honest, I can’t remember after the game because I was still concussed,” he explained.

“I remember bits and bobs and can recall being stood on the field speaking to a few fans after the game.

“I then thought ‘enough is enough’ and I had to go home because I didn’t feel right.

“I went to Burger King on the way home and had to take some Paracetamol and stick the food in the blender because I couldn’t eat it.

“There will be no contact for a few weeks but I started training with the boys, doing bits of skills, on Thursday.

“It’s good that I can still train with the boys and I’m looking forward to getting back.”