Ryan Hudson's suspension for an alleged doping offence has dealt the Bulls' Super League X campaign a second hammer blow inside 24 hours.

Coming hard on the heels of news that star Kiwi centre Shontayne Hape faces six months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Hudson's suspension has thrown the club into disarray three weeks before the season-opener at home to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The club are staying tight-lipped on the matter but have confirmed their 25-year-old winter recruit has been suspended for disciplinary reasons.

However, a Rugby Football League spokesman confirmed Hudson "is the subject of a doping control investigation".

Penalties for doping offences range from a reprimand for a less serious offence up to the maximum of a two-year ban. If Hudson's offence is on the more serious side of the scale it is possible his contract at the Bulls could be terminated.

The matter comes just weeks after Bulls chairman Chris Caisley criticised the RFL for their lack of disclosure over the drugs cases involving Leeds Rhinos pair Keith Senior and Ryan Bailey, who were each reprimanded and fined £1,500 after testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine in December.

Caisley said: "Our enquiries into the matter in question are still ongoing and therefore there will be no further announcement by the club at this stage."

A close-season signing from Castleford, Hudson has not yet appeared for the club but had been recruited to fill the problem hooking role.

The former Yorkshire Origin captain and England A representative had hoped to make his debut for the club in Sunday's friendly against Huddersfield. His suspension will likely see club captain Robbie Paul or utility back Karl Pratt revert to the hooking role.