JOE Lumb admits he has to prove himself to Bulls head coach Rohan Smith all over again following his return from a knee injury.

The homegrown hooker made his comeback in Monday's 36-26 win at Dewsbury and is now hoping for a run in the side.

He was handed his senior debut by Jimmy Lowes earlier this season and had featured only three times under Smith before getting injured against Batley in June.

Now he is back in the picture and Lumb is ready to challenge Adam O'Brien and Wakefield loanee Stuart Howarth for a regular spot.

"It was really nice to be back and enjoy the atmosphere because it felt like I had been out forever," said Lumb.

"It's just about getting my opportunity and then showing Rohan what I'm capable of. Being one of the top two hookers is what I set out to do at the start of the season.

"I know we've changed coaches but I don't see why I can't re-establish myself in that second hooking spot. It's down to hard work and taking the opportunities when they come my way.

"It's not nice being injured because you're watching other people play in the spot that you worked so hard for. It all seems to go out of the window when other people come in.

"Stu has been great, Adam has been his usual self and then we've had Dougie Charnock coming in who can fill in at nine as well.

"I've gone from feeling confident in having that second spot to now having a lot of competition.

"I got on with Jimmy really well and I felt comfortable, so I feel like I've had to prove myself again since Rohan came in.

"I signed a new three-year deal in May but if the coach doesn't want to pick you then it's not worth having, therefore I need to make the most of my opportunities."

Lumb is drawing inspiration from team-mate and fellow academy graduate Ethan Ryan, who is becoming a regular under Smith.

"Ethan has taken his opportunity with both hands since Rohan came in," said local lad Lumb.

"He was in a bit of a predicament before Rohan arrived because he got offered a deal and wasn't happy with it.

"He went away, backed himself and played superbly to attract interest from other clubs and earn a good deal at Bradford.

"Ethan has proved that if you back yourself, you can do something special – and he has done. He's been superb and scored a good few tries.

"The likes of myself, Ethan and Alex Mellor all came through the system together. I grew up as a boyhood Bulls fan and was a season-ticket holder, so to play for the club is a bit of a dream come true."