Plasterer Richie Hawkyard makes a dream Super League debut for the Bulls tomorrow - after his gaffer gave him time off work.

The part-timer is pinching himself, ready for a shock bow in the televised clash at home-town Huddersfield after busted Bradford's injury-jinx continued today.

Skipper Paul Deacon popped a quad muscle in training causing more headaches for boss Steve McNamara, who is now without SEVEN regulars for the short trip to Galpharm Stadium.

Senior Academy stand-off Hawkyard, 21, had already been drafted in as cover for Iestyn Harris, who had been nursing a knock.

Harris is fit but Deacon pulled up yesterday morning, meaning the rookie suddenly found himself filling in for the crocked No 7.

McNamara revealed: "Ritchie Hawkyard will definitely play. He is a part-time player who arranged a day off work to come in and train.

"It's a difficult position to bring someone in but he showed this morning in practice that he will do a good job for us."

Hawkyard, a pacy half with plenty of zip, has impressed in the Under-21s and travelled with the first-team to Lanzarote in pre-season after starring in a friendly at Dewsbury.

McNamara doesn't reckon he will be daunted by tomorrow's prospect.

"The kid's full of confidence any way," he said. "He's a tough kid, a Huddersfield kid as well, and tenacious."

Top try-scorer Michael Platt has failed to shrug off his hip problem, forcing a re-jig that leaves McNamara with three rookies on the bench.

"I am not scared to use youngsters at all but this week my hand has been forced," he said.

"It's a big opportunity for them though to show me, the club and the rugby league world watching on Sky exactly what they are capable of."

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