Bulls’ Boxing Day friendly marks the beginning of a big year for Jason Crookes.

Much the same could have been said 12 months ago, when the 19-year-old centre looked set for a breakthrough campaign.

It didn’t quite happen in 2009 but not through any fault of the player’s.

After making his debut in March against Hull FC, Crookes made two more appearances and looked set to stake a claim for a regular first-team spot until he suffered knee ligament damage at Wakefield on Easter Monday.

That sparked a long, frustrating period on the sidelines for the former England Academy star and he is ‘buzzing’ after being given his chance to impress against Castleford Tigers on Saturday.

Crookes said: “It’s been almost a year now that I’ve not played so I can’t wait to get out and start playing again. I’m buzzing.

“I want to get a decent hit-out and make sure my knee’s all right but I want to play well as well. Last season I played well in the trial game against Dewsbury and that gave me a good setting for the year.

“I managed to break into the team and play a few games but unfortunately then I got injured.

“It’s a big year for me and Macca’s said it is a big year for me. I just need to keep on top of this injury and keep on top of my fitness and then I’ll see how I go.”

The road to recovery has been a less than smooth journey.

Disappointment and anger took hold as Crookes watched much of last season from the sidelines, unable to even join in training with the rest of the squad.

But, with the help of his team-mates, the Bulls academy product emerged from the depths and is one of a group of young players expected to step up in the coming season.

“I’m just really looking forward to getting back and that helped me a lot throughout my recovery,” said Crookes.

“All the players helped me a lot as well, trying to keep me on track.

“When I first did it, it wasn’t that bad but I started to get a bit down after a bit and it really annoyed me not being able to play or train.

“It’s probably the worst place ever when you’re training on your own doing rehab and watching all the boys training. It gets to you.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the young lads now but it’s a good pressure.

“I think all the young lads are enjoying it this year and the older lads know the younger lads can do it. It’s not a case of being older or more experienced, it’s how well you play.”