Phil Joseph made a try-scoring return to action as the Bulls Under-20s slipped to their sixth straight defeat last night, losing 52-10 at home to Salford.

The prop, who had been sidelined for the past fortnight with an ankle knock, played the first 50 minutes and returned for a second stint as he looks to play his way back into first-team contention.

Mick Potter will today name his 19-man squad for Sunday’s Super League clash with Salford at Odsal and Joseph will hope to earn inclusion.

He gave a typically hard-hitting display, and crashed under the posts in the 46th minute, but Salford claimed their fourth win from five outings in this season’s Valvo-line Cup, while Bradford remain pointless.

Stu Barrow’s young guns were dealt another blow when back-rower Jobe Murphy picked up a nasty-looking injury and was carried off on a stretcher midway through the second half.

Stand-off Jordan Aitchison also picked up an ankle knock and was replaced as the Bulls struggled to cope with a physically imposing Salford outfit.

Shaun Ainscough again lined up at full back for Bulls, who trailed inside the second minute from Salford’s first set when Theo Fages went over from close range.

Four minutes later, winger Ben Massey caught a fine kick to touch down in the right corner and Salford’s dominance continued when the impressive Jon Ford weaved his way through for a third.

Niall Evalds then crossed in the left corner and Marc Sneyd’s fourth conversion from as many attempts sent Salford 24-0 up.

George Tyson added a fifth before the Bulls replied through scrum half Callum Windley as the interval approached.

Joseph then crashed under the posts in the 46th minute and, despite the loss of Murphy to injury, Bradford improved defensively.

Nevertheless, David Stephenson put the visitors further ahead and Fages grabbed his second before Andy Morris and Sneyd added further scores.

Jarrod Sammut was a spectator last night and is available to face Salford on Sunday after a one-match ban.

Yet Paul Sykes is hoping to keep his spot after his display against St Helens last week.

Sykes said: “I’ve had to wait for my chance but I’m always going to be ready.

“If I play this week then so be it – I’ve done all I can.”