Cain Southernwood looks set to be handed his Super League debut as the Bulls attempt to cope with the loss of Matt Orford.

Season-ending shoulder surgery means Orford will play no further part this season and has left coach Steve McNamara exploring his options in the halves.

Although Brett Kearney and Paul Sykes struggled during last week’s defeat against Crusaders, the pair are likely to be given a chance to make amends, having worked hard on their combination in training this week.

But, in the absence of a natural organising scrum half among the Bulls’ senior squad members, Southernwood is set to be handed a bench spot to ease him into Super League action.

Signed from Wakefield in April, the 18-year-old has dazzled for the club’s Under-20s and was star of the show when England Academy beat their French counterparts last week.

Doubts still remain over his size and defence but with limited funds making loan signings unlikely, he will be given an earlier than expected opportunity to showcase his undoubted organisational and attacking skills for the first team.