Matty Blythe is aiming to give the Bulls a much-needed boost by returning to action either this weekend or next.

The former Warrington centre, 25, has been sidelined since tearing tendons in his thumb during a training session shortly after Christmas.

He was forced to undergo an operation in January and has subsequently missed all three pre-season friendlies and the opening five rounds of Super League.

But, having stepped up his training during the past week, he looks set to be involved in Sunday’s trip to Hull KR or the visit to Widnes seven days later.

Blythe, who enjoyed a highly impressive debut campaign at Odsal last season, confirmed: “I’m looking to put my name in the frame in the next week or so.

“I started training last week with a bit of contact and skill and it’s been fine, so it’s just a case of getting back out there now.

“I’ve just been working hard for the past ten weeks to try and get myself fit as well as working on different aspects of my game.

“If it’s not Hull KR this week then it’s almost certain to be Widnes. I’m just taking every day as it comes.

“I’ve been enjoying myself and the beginning of last week felt like my first day at training.

“I enjoyed being out on the field with the lads rather than stuck in the gym.

“It’s been hard at times but I’ve stayed positive and am looking to get some match fitness under my belt now.”

Blythe is not expecting to walk straight back into the side, especially as Adam Henry has impressed in the right-centre berth where he played last season.

Blythe added: “We’ve got a lot of quality players in my position so I’m not expecting to think I can come straight in, not at all.

“I think the squad has been doing well and we’re going to be competing for places throughout the year.”

Blythe said his positive attitude had helped him to cope with his period on the sidelines.

He added: “It’s been frustrating because I had been training really well when it happened during pre-season.

“I was in the best shape I had been in for a while and I still am but it’s just one of those things – in rugby league, you’re going to get injured. It’s about how you react to it and I think I have reacted really well.

“I’ve helped a few of the players by talking to them on game-day, and being around the lads has made the process easier. It’s made it feel shorter than it actually has been.”