Odds are quickly stacking up against the Bulls after Brett Kearney was ruled out of action for six to eight weeks with a broken hand.

“I am gutted for BK,” said boss Mick Potter. “He has been playing really well and to lose him long term is very disappointing.”

Kearney’s absence means Paul Sykes will likely start at stand-off against Catalan Dragons on Monday, with Kyle Briggs due to feature for the under-20s against their Leeds counterparts yesterday.

Tom Burgess will also miss the trip to Perpignan after picking up a knee injury but there could be an opening for 17-year-old back-rower John Bateman, who caught the eye with a superb cameo in the pre-season win against Wakefield.

Full story in today's Telegraph & Argus