BY his own admission, James Davies 'fell out of love' with rugby league two years ago.

He drifted out of the game and worked as a personal trainer but now has the opportunity to make up for lost time.

After impressing on trial, the former Leeds Rhinos' youngster is set to make his debut tomorrow for Bradford Bulls against Sheffield Eagles.

Now 23, Davies lost his way after leaving Headingley five years ago and trying his luck Down Under.

He made a handful of appearances for the Penrith Panthers U20s and also turned out for amateur side Blacktown Workers.

On returning to England, he joined the Hunslet Hawks where his path to the first team was blocked by dual registration players from Leeds.

He played rugby union for Morley RFC this season but now wants to revive his career in rugby league.

"I have had a tough time with my career but I have tried to start from the bottom and work my way back up again," explained the forward.

"I fell out of love with the game a bit but rugby league is something I have lived and breathed for a long time and I can't wait to get back out there."

Reflecting on his journey around the globe, Davies says: "I left Rhinos at 18 and went to Australia. I went there as a boy but came back as a man.

"In a way, it was nice to get time away from my family and friends and just live a day-to-day life and mature as a person but, after 18 months in Australia, I came back to play for Hunslet and I was there about a season-and-a-half.

"It was tough with selection because they were in a dual registration with the Rhinos. As a fringe player or a squad member, I didn't get a good run in the team so I want to make sure I do this now.

"I have been out of the game about 18 months but I have come back stronger," he insisted. "The muscle memory is there so I just need to pick up where I left off. Hopefully, it's still in the locker."

Davies has impressed sufficiently in training over the last 10 days to warrant inclusion in tomorrow's squad.

The Bulls, who were docked 12 points at the start of the season, are still bottom of the table after picking up eight points from the first eight games.

"It's hard saying what you can do for a team – I would rather put it into action," he said. "But I am straight, hard, direct and 100 per cent.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on myself and I am just taking it session by session. I do my bit, go home, and hope I have done enough to get selected.

"I have been trying really hard to get back in the game for the last six months. There were other offers but, with my work as a personal trainer, it didn't work out with training times.

"My busiest time as a personal trainer is at night and I need to be training with a club through the day. So this is perfect. There were a couple of texts and phone calls and then I have rocked up on an open trial. We will see what happens. Hopefully, I will do enough to impress."