ANT Walker is delighted to be back making an impact once again after returning to Bradford's squad following a recent injury.

The number eight picked up a knock at Whitehaven in April, but has since returned and is making a telling contribution from the interchange bench for Mark Dunning's side.

A typical lung-busting run in Saturday's 36-20 victory over Newcastle to set up a Dec Patton try epitomised the quality which Walker possesses, but the impact made by the powerful forward will come as no surprise to the Bradford faithful.

Discussing his return to the side, Walker said: "I do feel I'm getting back to where I want to be.

"I had a lot of joy coming off the bench last season, especially when the opposition were tiring- that was when I could make a big impact. It's been a bit difficult since Mark came in because I got injured immediately after he took over as boss.

"But we had a chat and we both agreed that I could benefit from coming off the bench, as I need to get my match fitness back before I start consistently."

Walker added: "It was nice that I could make an impact off the bench against Newcastle and set up Dec (Patton) for the try, but that's what we need to do when coming off the bench. We were saying to each other in the first half that we needed to come and lift the team even more in the second half, even though the boys were brilliant in the first period anyway.

"I think we did manage to make a positive impact when we came on."

Bradford did concede a quick flurry of tries in the second half, three in total and it certainly made the game more tense than it should have been.

Walker admitted that this pattern has occurred already this campaign.

He said: "It is frustrating seeing us concede three tries in quick succession. We said at half-time that we didn't want a repeat of Whitehaven, which was to let our lead and positive performance slip.

"We had a great 50 minutes or so but in rugby league everything can change quickly based on momentum. Newcastle did find that momentum and they were able to capitalise. It's something we definitely to resolve if we are to continue improving."