Confirmation of the broken arm suffered by Paul Johnson against Castleford means the signing of Iestyn Harris could not have come at a better time for the Bulls, says skipper Robbie Paul.

The club are predicting Johnson will be out for up to eight weeks, but that is the worst-case scenario.

The former Wigan centre has undergone the same metal-plating treatment that saw Shontayne Hape return to action after just six weeks following a similar break in the opening round against Wigan.

Johnson had been one of only two players to start every game this year - the other is Jamie Peacock - but his absence will provide an opening for Harris to slot straight into the line-up against Wakefield on Sunday.

"He's pretty welcome at this point in time, especially having lost Johnno at the weekend," said Paul.

"Johnno has been a big player for us this season and losing him is a big blow. But the fact that we can call upon someone with Iestyn's experience and level of ability can only be a good thing for the club."

Harris will be thrown in at the deep end almost immediately but Paul said he would be welcomed with open arms by his new team-mates.

"He only has a one-week turnaround until he is expected to pull on a jumper but the injury situation should make it easier for him to fit in. He is an outside back so his presence will give a bit of relief to the players playing in those positions."

Paul's experience of Harris has always been as an opponent and he developed an appreciation of his attributes when he lined up for the Rhinos.

"He is a world-class player and was one of the top players in the Super League before he left for rugby union. I think he enjoyed his time in union but he has been a rugby league player his whole life, so this will probably be like a home-coming for him.

"He's a well-balanced and very strong player, a big offensive player. He used to ghost across the line waiting for someone to jump out and he would get in behind them. He's got a good eye for the game and can find people in space with his good passing game. But his main attribute is his running. He's got good balance, can stay on his feet and is very strong."

The presence of a reliable back-up goal-kicker was also a major bonus, said Paul.

"Deacs has always been one of the strongest kickers in the competition but Iestyn has a good record too. So if Deacs is having an off-day or is injured we'll have somebody just as good to call on."