Henderson to try out as scrum half

The Australian will wear the No 7 jersey in the friendly at Hull KR on Sunday (2pm).

Boss Steve McNamara is experimenting with his options as regular half-back Paul Deacon is currently crocked.

Henderson filled the role temporarily during the club's first warm-up at Dewsbury in what was mainly a second-string side.

But with the Super League opener now just three weeks away, he starts tomorrow alongside former Great Britain stand-off Iestyn Harris.

Henderson said: "I'm totally excited by it. I played scrum half a little as a junior but never really as a professional.

"If Deacs isn't fit for the start of the season, someone has got to fit in and there aren't too many options.

"I might not end up playing No 7 but Steve does want to have a look at me there tomorrow and see how I go, so then he'll have a better idea.

"For me, it's great as it's good to get a new challenge, learn a new role and broaden my skills."

Being a hooker, Henderson is already at the hub of Bradford's play and certainly has the ball skills to feature at first man.

But with Great Britain's Terry Newton firmly rooted as first-choice No 9 at Grattan Stadium, he found himself limited mainly to action off the bench last season.

Stanley Gene offered further competition, although the Papuan - who also deputised at scrum half - has since moved to Hull KR.

Tomorrow's friendly is part of the deal that saw Gene make the switch and his departure has presented more opportunities to the slippery Henderson.

"My big aim now is to get more game time," admitted the 23-year-old Aussie, who came off the bench 20 times last season.

"I'm looking forward to doing that and I'm looking forward to some more action tomorrow. I believe I've got the skills to play seven and I'm loud as well, which is a benefit.

"Being a hooker, I know the game-plan and I know how to get us to where we need to be on the pitch, so I'll give it a shot."

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