DAN Waite-Pullan is not expected to feature again for the Bulls this year.

The second row is preparing to go under the knife with the serious injury he suffered just over a week ago against Oldham.

Waite-Pullan, who was playing only his second game, was stretchered off in the win at Bower Fold and John Kear admitted he fears a lengthy lay-off for the 21-year-old.

The Bulls coach said: “Dan is awaiting an operation on his patella tendon. It’s not looking good.

“But we knew that last week because he went down when there was nobody around him.

“You know then it’s always serious with joint injuries when that happens.

“We’ll support the kid and hopefully he’ll get back on the field. But I don’t think that will be this season.”

Waite-Pullan originally came through the Bulls academy before joining Leeds Rhinos in 2017. He only returned in January on a one-year deal.

Meanwhile the Bulls have not got long to prepare for the fifth-round tie at Wakefield on Friday.

Kear added: “It’s a short turn-around but Super League clubs are used to it so we’ll have to be.”