Bradford Bulls back Nathan McAvoy is to undergo a knee reconstruction.

McAvoy, whose World Cup ambitions were ruined when he broke down in a warm-up game for England against the USA in Florida, has had an exploratory operation.

Now surgeons will wait until the damage settles down before trying to repair it.

Bulls' physio Mark Flet-cher said: "Nathan has had the knee cleaned out, but there is still a lot of swelling and it will probably be a couple of weeks before they can do the major work.

"After that we are told it will be 14 weeks before he can expect to be ready for full training. Each case is different though and we won't have a full picture until the operation is done.

"But even if things go well it is going to be a close call for him to be fit for the start of the season."

Bulls coach Brian Noble admits his recruiting plans are "progressing nicely".

Noble is keen to add three more players to his squad, with his targets believed to include a prop to replace Neil Harmon, who was rel-eased last season.

Among those linked with the club are Kiwi star Joe Vagana, who is a free agent after being caught up in the financial troubles at Auck-land Warriors, and Eng-land's Harvey Howard.

He is seeking a two-year deal after only being offered a 12-month contract by Brisbane Broncos.