DAMIAN Sironen is confident the Bulls can mount a challenge in the Bottom Eights.

The Aussie forward believes the imminent unveiling of former Kangaroos international Willie Tonga will inject more power into the ranks for the frantic survival fight to come.

Geoff Toovey's plans have been hit by injuries again, with Ashley Gibson and Ethan Ryan added to the casualty list.

There are only two more games of the regular season left before the competition splits, with the Bulls desperate to chip away at the ten-point gap to nearest strugglers Swinton.

Yet Sironen reckons they can come good – especially once Tonga is on board.

"Bringing myself and Willie into the squad is good for the young guys and I'm excited about what we can do," he said.

"Give us a month or so to probably gel and then we'll be very strong into that eights (competition)."

The 24-year-old enjoyed a promising debut against Hull KR, despite a 42-10 final scoreline that flattered the Championship leaders.

Sironen felt the standard was similar to the second-tier rugby he has been playing Down Under.

He said: "The physicality and speed of the game was up there. That suited me personally because I like the fast game.

"We were just outclassed a bit. (Justin) Carney started their sets off leaving our guys on the ground and it was hard for us to regather our line. We were scattered about after that.

"At times when we did handle him, I felt very comfortable and safe in defence. But they are a class side and probably deserve to be where they are in the comp."

The Bulls are waiting to find out if Tonga will get clearance in time for Sunday's away clash with Batley – but Sironen has already been tipped off about the infamous Mount Pleasant slope.

"The boys have told me it's a fair incline, so I might have to bring my extra studs and do a bit more stretching with my calves," he said.

"But I've come over here with a new set of challenges. It's something I've always wanted to do.

"I had intentions of joining Hull KR at the start of the year, that fell through and I jumped at the first opportunity to come back over here with Bradford.

"I won two competitions at home and felt I did all that I was going to do. I didn't feel like I was going to kick on to the NRL. I had my opportunities there.

"The Hull KR game probably wasn't too different to what I'm used to with two full-time sides. But the boys have said the standard's probably not there with a couple of sides we play against."