LEE Smith may be the Bulls' club captain but Sam Hallas is happy to put his hand up to be a leader if the former England international is off the field.

Hallas, the 21-year-old cousin of Graeme – who played professionally for seven clubs – is confident about his role within the team.

He said: "I don't think it is a case of stepping up, really. I see myself as a natural leader anyway. I try and lead from the front and try to set an example the best I can.

"When Lee goes off, as he did against Sheffield Eagles, there is definitely more of an onus on me to steady the ship.

"Lee is an outstanding captain but I know my qualities as a player and a person and I feel that I can steady a ship too, although there are also other boys out there that can do it."

Hallas, who signed a two-year deal with the Bulls towards the end of last season, has played at loose forward and hooker already this season, having played prop for Leeds Rhinos under-19s.

Yet the former Great Britain Academy skipper admits there are benefits to the Bulls having three hookers in their ranks.

Hallas said: "I am new to being a hooker and I learn from Reiss (Butterworth) every now and again and he learns off me – and we both learn off Vee (Vila Halafihi).

"I will play anywhere that the team needs me but I see myself as a number nine.

"But if John (Kear) wants me to fill in at loose forward and carry the ball and make the tackles, then I will."