Bradford Bulls continue to do it tough on the injury front with boss Kurt Haggerty revealing a comprehensive update earlier this week.
Waqa Blake is set to be out for around three months due to an MCL injury picked up in the defeat to Leeds Rhinos, whilst the club’s newest recruit, Phoenix Steinwede, is also out for the long-term.
The back rower, who only managed one and a half games for Bradford, has picked up a syndesmosis injury and will also be out for around 12 weeks.
Ryan Sutton wasn’t named in the 21-man squad due to still having some pain to deal with and Eribe Doro is another awaiting a return.
Halves Jayden Nikorima and Rowan Milnes are absent too, meaning that Bradford go into their game against Wakefield Trinity this week heavily depleted.
Ahead of that game, we have taken a look at how the Bulls could line up, with the positive being that one forward could be making a return from injury.
How Bradford Bulls could line-up against Wakefield Trinity
An ever-present in 2026, Caleb Aekins will look to keep up his consistent form this week as he lines up at full-back, with the wing spots being filled by Ethan Ryan and Connor Wynne.
Ed Chamberlain looks to be Blake’s replacement in the centres, and given that only two players capable of playing in the halves have been named, it looks as though Chris Atkin will partner Joe Mellor, who moves from 13.
Andy Ackers will keep his spot at nine, and is expected to spell Mitch Souter, who will start on the bench. Dan Russell could make his first appearance since the opening round defeat to Hull FC, where he suffered a knee injury.
With Mellor in the halves, Sam Hallas could make his first start in Super League after featuring off the bench four times for Bradford this season. Will Gardiner could make his debut for the club having joined from FC in the off-season, however injury has ruled him out so far and with Ebon Scurr also set to make his return Haggerty won’t want to risk too many players all at once,
Bradford Bulls predicted XIII:Â Caleb Aekins, Ethan Ryan, Esan Marsters, Ed Chamberlain, Connor Wynne, Chris Atkin, Joe Mellor, Loghan Lewis, Andy Ackers, Jack Ormondroyd, Zac Fulton, Dan Russell, Sam Hallas
Bench:Â Mitch Souter, Brandon Douglas, Leon Ruan, Ebon Scurr
Missing out:Â Cameron Bate, Alfie Leake, Eliot Peposhi, Wiill Gardiner
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