PAUL Cullen has thanked Michael Sullivan for playing out of position for the majority of the season so far.

Sullivan was initially brought to the club as a half back but reverted back to his preferred position of hooker halfway through 2006.

Cullen had planned to again use him in the number nine role this season but injuries to half backs Chris Bridge and Simon Grix meant that Sullivan has been needed at stand off for most of the campaign.

Bridge made his comeback as a substitute at Harlequins on Saturday and his return at stand off should allow Sullivan to return to hooker against St Helens on Friday.

Despite the position switch, Cullen has been pleased with the Australian's performances and said: "I think it's worth saying that Michael Sullivan has taken one for the team over the past four weeks.

"We don't see him as a natural half back this season out wide and we haven't done for a considerable period.

"Lee Briers and Chris Bridge are first choice and Simon Grix is going to be the next man in but that hasn't been available to us in the first four games.

"We were delighted to get Chris Bridge back into the fray at Harlequins so we could give Michael a spell and put him back into the game at dummy half.

"That's the position he's most competent at and most comfortable in."