YOUNG gun James Bentley is back to boost the Bulls' Bash hopes after a frustrating injury lay-off.

The under-19s star has burst onto the scene at Odsal this campaign, making 11 appearances and impressing fans and team-mates alike with his impressive displays.

Hand ligament damage temporarily halted his meteoric progress but Bentley has been given the green light to return for tonight's Summer Bash encounter with Hull KR.

"I got the all clear off the specialist last week so I'm all good to go this weekend," confirmed a delighted Bentley ahead of the Blackpool bonanza.

"It's a very big game to be coming back for – I can't wait to get out there and get playing again, it feels like I've been out for so long.

"These are the games you want to play in and thankfully I've got myself back fit for it, so can't wait now to get out there and back playing with the boys.

"It's been gutting just sitting on the sidelines. You can't do anything, even in training when you're having to just sit there and do a bit of rehab'.

"You've got to do it to get yourself fit but it's a bit boring and tedious when you want to be playing and having a good time with the lads."

On the team's current predicament, Bentley reflected: "We need to get back to zero points as quickly as possible now. We must start picking up those points again and then we can begin climbing that ladder and pull clear of the relegation zone.

"Dane Chisholm is a quality addition. It's great to have him back and I'm looking forward to getting out and playing with him at the weekend now."

Bentley has been joined in the senior set-up by a host of his Academy pals this season and the youngster hopes that reliance on homegrown players continues for many years to come.

"This season I've been chucked in there and I've just got on with my job," said 18-year-old Bentley.

"It's gone really well, so I'll keep doing my job and hopefully keep getting game-time.

"Evan (Hodgson) and Storts (Matthew Storton) have also had their chances this year and have taken them really well.

"That shows how good our academy set-up is and that we can throw those young lads in and they'll do the job.

"It would be great if we could all stay together in the future, to continue learning to play together and getting those connections."