Bradford Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty has confirmed that Jayden Nikorima will make his Super League debut for the club this week, after recovering from injury.
Nikorima picked up a calf injury in the lead up to the season starting, and as a result has missed the club’s two Challenge Cup games and the opening four rounds of Super League.
The former Salford half-back moved from the Red Devils alongside Haggerty and a number of other players, but after waiting over a month longer than expected, he will finally make his maiden appearance for the Bulls in Super League.
The Bradford boss spoke to the media today [Tuesday] to preview the club’s round five tie against Huddersfield Giants, and also provided an update on a number of other injured stars.
“It’s massive,” said Haggerty as he explained how big a boost it is to have Nikorima back fit.
“He’s been like a big kid today around the place, he’s brought a bit of energy, we’ve celebrated him being back in the team.
“It’s big for the club, it’s big for the team, and what I would say is I’m not expecting too much magic from Jadon on his first game back, I just want him to defend well and take the line on.”
In what is somewhat surprising news, Eribe Doro is “50/50” to make the 17, despite picking up a serious ankle injury in defeat to Wigan Warriors.
Doro will see a specialist today to confirm the extent of the blow, but Haggerty knows that player welfare comes first, despite the former Hull KR man’s keenness to continue playing.
“I’ll probably take him up until Thursday’s session before I make a decision, but ultimately at the moment right now it doesn’t look too good.
“We’re seeing another specialist today, so again, I’m not too sure on the detail of it.
“Eribe’s desperate to play, but first I’ve got a duty of care for my player, and then I’ve got to make sure that Eribe’s healthy enough to go, so I’ll make the call probably Thursday.”
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Another man who has a chance of featuring is Waqa Blake, who picked up a knock in defeat to St Helens two weeks ago, and missed out on selection against Wigan, with Guy Armitage coming in his place.
Blake could re-join the side this week, but Haggerty is insistent on giving the Fijian centre as much possible time to recover as he can before he makes the decision.
Whilst Blake would reinforce the Bulls’ backline, their forward pack is still a concern. The boss confirmed that Ronan Michael is back available for selection after a month-long loan spell at Keighley, whilst youngsters Jamie Gill, Alfie Leake and Cameron Bate could all be in with a chance at making the 17.
Gill was named as 18th man in the Wigan defeat, highlighting that Haggerty and the Bulls staff believe that the youngster is ready for his Super League debut.
“[Gill] has been getting some minutes at Doncaster. He’s been averaging around 65-70 minutes. He’s a great kid, he’s a good athlete and he’s a big body, and he’s trained great, the lads have a lot of trust around him, so when ‘Gilly’ does play, we’ll all be very comfortable with him playing.
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