Bulls hooker Jimmy Lowes is tipping Paul Deacon for the top but admits the youngster may have to move away to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Deacon starts only his fifth game of the season against Castleford at Valley Parade tomorrow in the absence of the Paul brothers on international duty Down Under with New Zealand.

"It must be hard for Deacs having to bide his time but it is something he just has to do," says Lowes.

"I think he can become a really good player. All the potential is there. He has a great football brain and all the attributes to make a world class player.

"But he needs regular first team rugby and I suppose a lot could depend on whether Henry (Paul) decides to stay or not.

"Deacs will continue to battle way but if he's not holding down a regular slot in the next two years or so he may well have to consider moving on to establish himself at the highest level which he is certainly capable of doing."

Lowes certainly has very confidence in Deacon and his potential half-back partner Leon Pryce ahead of the clash with the Tigers.

"Obviously we are going to miss Robbie and Henry because they are quality players. But Deacs has plenty of experience and we have got Leon probably playing at stand-off. He doesn't think he is a winger and this is a great chance for him to prove it.

"Despite the absence of Robbie and Henry We haven't really had to change much in training and we're certainly not worried on that front."

Opponents Castleford have generally provided a difficult hurdle for the Bulls in recent years and they had to battle hard for a 24-22 win at The Jungle in May.

Lowes admits: "Castleford are a very hard-working side and very similar to Hull. They stick to their task on and off the ball and we have got to be on the ball like we were against Hull.

"I would have thought they will have been affected by the departure of Stuart Raper because he is obviously a quality coach and he has proved that over the years at Castleford.

"But Graham Steadman has taken over and looks like he is just keeping it rolling. They still have some quality players though and if we are not on the ball they could cripple us."