Bradford Bulls are looking for some of their rising stars to make their mark tonight against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

The absence of Jamie Peacock, Stuart Fielden and Lee Gilmour with Great Britain, and injuries to Paul Anderson (broken arm), Brandon Costin (rib cartilage) and possibly Paul Deacon (shoulder) could mean chances for three teenagers.

Loose forward Jamie Langley, 18, and 19-year-olds Aaron Smith (hooker) and Alex Wilkinson (centre) have all been included in the Bulls' squad of 19 for the Valley Parade contest between the Super League's top and bottom clubs.

Deacon faces a late fitness test after he sprung a shoulder in last Thursday's 44-6 victory over Widnes and had to be led off in the 72nd minute.

But acting head coach Darrel Shelford - standing in for Brian Noble, who is with the Great Britain squad in Australia - says: "We have a big squad at this club and it's a great opportunity for some of the fringe players to make their mark."

He added of the whole squad: "I think they appreciate that with Brian Noble and the three players away in Australia, they have to pick their game up to take on Wakefield.

"Brandon Costin's ribs are still a bit tender so he wasn't even considered, but because we have a good squad we are able to lose three or four players through injuries, and having young guys available is always good because it sparks the first-team squaddies up."

Shelford added, however, that he is certain it will still be business as usual without Great Britain assistant coach Noble at the helm.

The New Zealander, who has been helped in the squad's preparation by Academy coach Bernard Dwyer, said: "There has been no major difference without Brian Noble. I have probably just taken on a bit more responsibility in putting video footage and game-plans together to make sure the players get the right information."

The three times Bulls Clubman of the Year added: "I have gained a bit more respect off the players and got them to work a bit more on their responsibility, and they have responded to the challenge."

Tomorrow's Senior Academy Championship match at home to Wakefield has been postponed to assist with preparations for tonight's game.