Bulls' hopes of having James Lowes back in their ranks this weekend appear to be receding.

The 1997 Man of Steel and Super League Player of the Year, pictured, had hoped to miss just the opening clash with Huddersfield and the tussle with his old club Leeds Rhinos last Sunday, following knee surgery.

But, although Lowes hopes to get clearance to resume training this week, he is losing his battle to face Challenge Cup finalists Sheffield Eagles at the Don Valley Stadium on Friday night.

"I am progressing well, but it looks as though the making the Eagles game might be a little too optimistic.

"Hopefully I can put the crutches down this week and be ready for the game at Hull the following week. I hate missing matches."

Despite the sterling efforts of Bernard Dwyer and Nathan Graham, who have shared the hooking role in Lowes' absence, the Great Britain star was sorely missed in the shock 26-6 defeat by the Rhinos.

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