Bradford Bulls scrum-half Luke Gale will have an operation on his injured ankle this weekend and is expected to be sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

Gale, signed in the close season from London Broncos, sustained the injury in the opening minutes of the Bulls’ home defeat by Wigan Warriors 10 days ago and, after waiting for the swelling to go down, has been told by a specialist surgery was necessary.

Bradford football manager Stuart Duffy said: “We are really disappointed for Luke but it’s better he has the operation now so as to give him the earliest chance of returning to the side.”