Francis Cummins sees no reason why Bulls scrum half Luke Gale cannot make the leap from England Knights into Steve McNamara’s senior side.

Cummins was delighted to have secured the services of the 24-year-old on a new three-year deal after his impressive debut campaign at Odsal.

And he believes the former Harlequins man – in line to represent the Knights against Ireland in the Alitalia Cup on Saturday – could force his way into the elite squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Gale starred for Kieron Purtill’s side at the end of last season in victories against France and Cumbria and has trained regularly with the elite squad during his time with the Knights.

Cummins said: “Galey is playing for the Knights now and hopefully he can push on into the full England squad.

“He’s only young and it’s like everyone else – it will come down to how much he wants it.

“There are a lot of young men with ambition but he’s definitely got the ability.

“We all have to sacrifice things in life and I think Galey is ready to do that now.”

Former Bulls duo Tom and George Burgess join Gale in Purtill’s squad, who also face Scotland in Edinburgh on October 28.

Meanwhile, the RFL were yesterday expected to receive the report into the circumstances which led to Craig Kopczak terminating his contract with the Bulls.

The governing body will then decide what course of action to take but it looks certain that l Continued on Page 35 Kopczak has played his last game for the Bulls and will join Huddersfield.

If a fee for Kopczak’s services cannot be agreed between the clubs then a tribunal will decide.

The homegrown Wales prop is focusing on Saturday’s opening autumn international against France in Lens, which is followed a week later by the visit of England to Wrexham, with the top two teams contesting the November 11 final at Salford.

Kopczak’s growing presence in Iestyn Harris’ squad was illustrated by his elevation to a four-strong leadership group from which the next captain will be chosen.

“Iestyn has put me there for a reason and I’m just relishing the opportunity,” said 25-year-old Kopczak, whose captaincy rivals are Ben Flower, Jordan James and Neil Budworth.

“It would be unreal if I ever got to captain the side. It would be one of the proudest moments in my life.

“If you look around, there are quite a lot of young faces in the squad so hopefully I can lead from the front.”