England centre Nathan McAvoy is poised to make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction tomorrow night.
The Bulls three-quarter suffered cruciate knee ligament damage last October while prep-aring for the World Cup with the England squad in Florida.
But following major surgery at the end of November and a lengthy rehabilitation, McAoy is now ready to re-launch his career.
The first stage in the process is a run-out with the in-form Bulls Alliance side at Halifax tomorrow night. The match is being staged at the home of Halifax Rugby Union club in Ovenden (7.30).
"It is testimony to Nathan's commitment that he is ready to play again inside six months of the operation," said Bulls coach Brian Noble.
"He has worked incredibly hard to get back where he is and is looking fit and strong again. Now it's a matter of mind games really and getting his confidence back.
"A fully fit Nathan McAvoy will be a big boost to the squad but first he has to get tomorrow under his belt successfully and then we will sit down and set him some more targets."
Meanwhile fellow centres Shane Rigon and Scott Naylor are both battling to be fit for Friday night's derby clash with Halifax Blue Sox at Valley Parade.
Rigon (ankle) and Naylor (hamstring) have both been missing recently but Noble hopes at least one of them will be available for the Blue Sox clash.
"Ideally I would like to give Graham Mackay a rest," said Noble. "He just completed a full season of rugby union and then had three games in 11 days with us and I think he would benefit from a break."
The players were back in training at Odsal today after being rewarded for their efforts recently with a day out at a water park in Nottingham yesterday.
"It was by way of recognition of the way they have committed themselves during a difficult spell and gave them chance for a little relaxation together.
"Now we get down to work again in preparation for Halifax who will be giving it real go on Friday after an excellent performance at St Helens," added Noble.
Fans heading to next month's Origin Game between Yorkshire and Lancashire at Headingley on Tuesday, June 5 are being offered the chance to cash in on a unique travel package.
'Origin Express' buses will run to Headingley from all Tetley's Super League clubs (excluding London Broncos and Leeds Rhinos).
The price includes a ground admission ticket (worth £10) and coach travel to and from Headingley.
Bulls fans can book a place on 'The Origin Express' by contacting the club on 744250.
Tickets for The Origin Game are on sale now and available from the Headingley Box Office on (0113) 2786 181. They are priced at £10 (£5 for concessions), £13 (£8 for concessions) , £16 (£11 for concessions) and £20.
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