Jamie Langley has targeted a January return, promising: I’ll be back all guns blazing.

The Bulls loose forward is progressing well after shoulder surgery and joined the first batch of players to return for pre-season training on Monday.

Although the Boxing Day friendly against Castleford will come too soon, he expects to return in time for the Bulls’ remaining pre-season games.

It means he should be back to full fitness by the start of Super League XV and, with 2010 being his testimonial year, the 25-year-old back-rower is champing at the bit.

Langley said: “I’m still a fair bit off but I’ve come on leaps and strides. I had the sling off within a week of the operation and I’ve been rehabbing since then.

“I’m really confident in the physios and medical staff and I’m improving every day. I’m really excited about where I’m at.

“The initial diagnosis is three to six months, so three months would take me to about mid-December.

“We have a game on Boxing Day but I won’t be rushing things so a more realistic target is January.

“It was good to get back in pre-season training and to see the boys. Everybody had smiles on their faces.

“I’m raring to go and come the start of the season I want to be back all guns blazing.”