DAVID Foggin-Johnston insists George Flanagan can still have a big influence during his Bulls ban.

The hooker revealed he came close to quitting after being hit with a second marathon suspension for grabbing the testicles of an opponent.

But Flanagan was a vocal presence from the sidelines in the dramatic win over Halifax – and Foggin-Johnston acknowledged that key support.

“George has had a tough one but he got round the boys and revved us up,” said the winger. “He was absolutely losing it and I could hear him on the pitch.

“People like George and Sam (Hallas) are all for the team. They want to see us doing well and are eager to egg us on.

“It’s a headache because they obviously want to be playing but they still want us to win. We’re just supporting each other.”

Foggin-Johnston scored his first try since June 2019 on his recall to the side – and hopes he has done enough to keep the shirt against landlords Dewsbury this weekend.

He added: “I want to find some form now. It’s hard when you are coming in and out of the team.

“If I keep the spot now and get a run of games in, then hopefully it’s mine to lose.

“It was my chance to step up after what had happened and I was over the moon with the win. You saw the enthusiasm of the boys and the way we all stuck together."

It was a big answer after the criticism of the display against Sheffield but Foggin-Johnston is not getting carried away.

“We don’t want to fall in love with ourselves but it’s definitely a starting point. We don’t want to forget Sheffield but now we can kick on.”