As the Bulls utterly outclassed Widnes in romping to victory on Easter Monday, positives emerged pretty much everywhere you looked.

Take the performance of Tom Olbison.

The highly promising back-rower came off the bench shortly before half-time at the Stobart Stadium and played the second half in full.

It was his first appearance of the season after returning from a three-month injury lay-off.

Olbison sustained ligament damage in his right shoulder during the pre-season friendly at Castleford on Boxing Day and was forced to undergo reconstructive surgery.

“It felt great to be back out there with the boys again and play a part in a big win at Widnes,” said 21-year-old Olbison.

“There were a lot of sore bodies with us having two games in quick succession over the Easter period.

“The injuries are taking their toll but there is depth in the squad and to have players coming back to fitness strengthens the side.”

Olbison’s only previous action this year was an appearance against Hull in the under-20s the week before.

But his fitness levels and all-round performance at Widnes suggested he could play a key role in the coming weeks and months. He tore into tackles and never took a backward step all afternoon.

“There’s no substitute for actually playing games and getting your match fitness up that way,” said Olbison.

“There’s only so much training you can do and then it’s just a matter of playing and getting back up to speed. That’s what I’m looking to do.”

Olbison, who joined the Bulls as a 16-year-old and made his Super League debut against Warrington in 2009, suffered cruel luck last season. He made 16 appearances before his campaign was curtailed by a foot injury.

“It’s been pretty tough being out for the last three months, having missed the end of last year,” said Olbison.

“For it happen again at the beginning of this year was a big setback. But I’m fit now and looking forward to this weekend’s game.”

The visit of Doncaster in the Challenge Cup fourth round is a potential banana skin for Mick Potter’s men, who will again be missing up to a dozen players tomorrow.

Yet victories over sworn enemies Leeds and struggling Widnes have left the Bulls in buoyant mood.

Olbison says the club’s problems off the pitch have not affected them in the slightest on it and reasoned: “You’ve just got to get your head down and get on with it.

“Yes, there’s a lot happening but all the boys have stayed positive. We’ve just got to go out and perform. That’s all you can worry about and let the rest take care of itself.

“It’s out of our hands really. We just need to go out there and do the best we can for the club.”

Championship One part-timers Doncaster have former Hull and Hull KR play-maker Paul Cooke in their ranks.

Olbison said: “It’s a tough fixture and they will come fired up. Paul Cooke is an experienced head – I think I played against him once when he was at Hull KR. He’s a smart player and definitely someone to watch out for.

“But we want to achieve things this year – and that means getting in the play-offs and progressing as far as we can in the Challenge Cup.”