Prop Stuart Fielden has welcomed the return of hooker James Lowes to the Bulls line-up for their clash with Castleford at Valley Parade.

The 32-year-old missed last week's thrilling victory at Hull because of a twisted knee.

And Fielden said: "Jimmy is a massive influence - he pushes us around the park and maybe gives Brian Noble a bit more versatility at half back."

Fielden added: "Jimmy is very much part of the Bulls team, and when he isn't playing you know it and he is missed.

"He is a character. He has something, and not a lot of players have that aura about them these days.

"Jimmy goes forward and the team follows him, and he has that bit of roughness that isn't often seen with the game being so fast.

"He is like Barrie McDermott - he is good to play alongside. Over the last six years the forwards have built up a great relationship with Jimmy, and that stands for a lot." Robbie Paul was at hooker last weekend, and 22-year-old Fielden said: "No disrespect to Robbie, but he is a different kind of hooker - maybe a bit nippier - but Jimmy is tough and niggly. He knows what we want and we know what he wants."

Fielden then stressed the importance of the Valley Parade visits by Castleford tonight and Leeds Rhinos next Friday.

"We may have a points difference advantage of 130 at the moment, which is like having an extra point, but if we lose against Castleford tonight and beat Leeds next week, it will mean nothing," said the Great Britain international.

Looking at the Tigers, Fielden said: "They have just been missing out against the leading clubs, and I am sure their coach will be saying 'Let's go and show what we can do against the top teams'."

Tigers are without Dean Sampson and Michael Smith through suspension, and Fielden admitted: "Castleford will lose something there, but they will make up for their absence in enthusiasm."