The Bulls have switched their attention from Ben Fisher of Halifax and hope instead to tie up a deal with Parramatta Eels hooker Ian Henderson within the next 24 hours.

Torquay-born Henderson, who will not count on the overseas quota, is believed to have agreed personal terms with the club and should be a Bulls player by Monday.

Recruited by former Bulls coach Brian Smith from Sydney Roosters, the 22-year-old has struggled to break into the Parramatta first-grade side.

With experienced duo Mark Riddell and PJ Marsh both ahead of the former New South Wales under-19 player in the pecking order, he has made just three NRL appearances this season.

The bid for Halifax hooker Fisher fell through when the Bulls' offer of a player exchange was rejected. With the Henderson deal already in the pipeline the Bulls were reluctant to modify their original offer.

Meanwhile, centre Paul Johnson is hoping to spark the Bulls' season back into life when he returns from a 14-match spell on the sidelines following shoulder and wrist surgery.

"The club hasn't really done a lot while I've been out," said Johnson, who is set to be on the bench against Widnes Vikings tomorrow.

"We've under-performed, if anything, so there is a lot to do - but we can turn it around at the money end of the year and hopefully I can make a difference.

"I'm really keen. I've felt it coming for the last couple of weeks now and you build yourself up for it. I targeted this game a couple of months ago so I know I'm ready to play.

"I'm a little bit nervous and still a bit sore, but you are going to be sore after being fixed up.

"Fitness-wise I am right up there but with the strength work in the gym I am probably about 70 per cent. But that will soon come in the next couple of weeks and I'll be at full speed."

An abrasive and direct player, Johnson is not planning to alter his approach to the game despite returning from his second major shoulder surgery.

He said: "I don't worry about it. I just go as hard as I can and if anything does hurt me then it hurts me. It might sting but I'll get through the game all right.

"My goal is just to get through it, get that first game out of the way as fast as I can. But I want to get to that Grand Final again.

"I'm not too bothered about where we finish in the league, as long as we qualify for the play-offs. You can win it from any position and once we get Shontayne Hape back as well I think we'll be on fire."

The acquisition of Ben Harris will likely see Johnson switched to the pack when Hape does eventually return and he is happy with that prospect.

"Last year when I played in the back row after coming back from my broken arm it was a good move and I ended up playing for Great Britain there," said Johnson. "Maybe that could be the same this year."