Bulls back-row ace Mike Forshaw admits he's been to hell and back in the last five weeks as he strives to keep his Grand Final and Great Britain tour hopes alive.

But he is optimistic that he will be able to prove his fitness next week to both Odsal coach Matthew Elliott and national boss Andy Goodway after his season looked to be over when he suffered a fractured fibula in the victory at Hull at the end of August.

"I've probably worked harder in the last few weeks that I have done at any stage in my career," Forshaw admitted.

"I must have driven the family completely mad and but it's probably been a relief for them that I have been out at the gym and down at the pool twice a day.

"I even tried a session in the hyperbaric chamber which is used to help speed the healing process. That shows how keen I have been because I suffer from claustrophobia and don't even like being in lifts!

"I knew straight away it wasn't for me but I have done everything possible to get myself fit because it means so much to me to help the Bulls win the Grand Final and get on the plane for Australia.

"It has been very frustrating not to be involved at this crucial stage of the season and for a couple of days after the Hull game I thought my season was over and got pretty depressed.

"But after seeing the specialist I realised there was hope and I've worked myself to a standstill since then.

"It seems to have healed pretty well and for the last two or three weeks I have been pretty confident I would make it.

"But the next few days are going to be critical. I plan to do some light running over the next couple of days and again at the weekend and come next Monday I will really be giving it my best at training.

"I have played at Old Trafford three times for Wigan and Great Britain and that has been huge

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