Ferguson handed injury boost

Dale Ferguson is moving nearer to his competitive debut for Bradford following time out with a back problem.

Ferguson, 25, has only appeared in Bulls colours once – in the pre-season friendly against Castleford – and had been facing a three-month lay-off with the injury setback.

However, he is responding well to treatment from the Bradford medical staff, and could be close to a return, some six weeks ahead of schedule.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to getting back out there, it has been a long time coming.

“I was initially told I could be looking at 10 weeks on the sidelines, so to be informed I am getting close – just a couple of weeks after the operation – is very pleasing.

“It has been a massively frustrating period for me. I have only made one appearance so far this year and I was far from my best.

“But I am back in training, which is going well, and am simply now waiting now for the message telling me I am clear to play.

“My focus is pretty much fixed on getting back to full health in the next couple of weeks or so and working my way into the team.

“We might have a small squad at the moment but spots in the back row are hard to come by, it is one of the most contested positions in the team.”

Lee Gaskell, who sustained a knee injury in the early season win over Wakefield, is also closing in on a return to full fitness.