The Bulls have been dealt another serious blow after it was revealed Nick Scruton will miss three months with a dislocated wrist.

Scruton suffered the injury at St Helens but had intended to play through the pain barrier until tests confirmed the worst-case scenario.

Instead, the powerful prop will undergo surgery on Tuesday and is unlikely to return to action until July.

It capped a bittersweet week for the former Leeds star, who celebrated signing a new three-year deal with the club on Monday, and comes just as he was starting to find form following a pre-season hernia operation.

Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy said: “It’s a big blow losing Nick because he has been playing so well.

“He sustained the injury at St Helens and we assessed the damage during the week to see whether or not he would be able to continue playing.

“Tests showed that Nick would not be able to play effectively with the injury and, after consultation with the club’s medical team, it was decided to have surgery as soon as possible to allow him to return later in the season.”

Scruton’s absence paves the way for Tom Burgess to stake his claim for a first-team spot.

The 18-year-old has yet to make a first-grade appearance since signing a professional contract with the Bulls at the start of last year.

Despite being offered the chance to join elder brother Sam and twin George at NRL club South Sydney during the winter, Burgess instead decided to stay and fight for a place at Odsal.

And he looks set to be rewarded with a debut in tomorrow’s clash against Harlequins after being included in the 19-man squad in place of Scruton.