Injured Bulls star Matt Cook is ahead of schedule for his return - after being treated by the same surgeon as superstar David Beckham.

The England second-rower had the pot taken off his broken wrist yesterday and hopes to be back in action within three weeks.

Cook admits finding out he has been under such expert care gave him a timely boost.

"The rehab's been going really well and the doc has taken the screws out now," he said.

"I know I'm in good hands because I've found out that Doug Campbell, the surgeon who's looking after me, also did David Beckham's wrist, so he must be pretty good!"

Cook has been crocked since May 13, having needed surgery to repair the damage, and it was feared he could miss three months of action.

However, he is now edging closer to a comeback and may return as early as July 21.

"The other good news is that I was talking to our physio (Martin Clawson) and was told I'd need three to four weeks of rehab once the pot comes off," explained Cook.

"That takes us to Challenge Cup day with Saints, which would be a nice one to come back for, but I was joking with Martin that we play Salford in just short of three weeks.

"I was laughing around, saying I'd be back for then, won't I?' and I was quite shocked when he turned and said if the rehab goes well enough I could be."

The return of the enthusiastic 20-year-old will be a welcome boost for boss Steve McNamara as the Bulls step up their pursuit of a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double.