Bulls coach Matthew Elliott has heaped praise on teenage starlet Leon Pryce who he believes can play a key part in getting his side to a second successive Grand Final.

Pryce, who will be 19 next month, scooped two top national awards as the best young player in the game last year, but he did not make the same impact in the first half of this season.

Now though Elliott believes he is back to his best, a fact underlined by his stunning 80 metre try in last Friday's play-off defeat at St Helens.

As his side prepared for Saturday's crucial Super League Play-off clash with Leeds Rhinos at Odsal, Elliott said: "I think it is well known that Leon did go through a difficult patch as a lot of players do in their second year at the top.

"But for most of them the slump lasts a whole season and that hasn't been the case with Leon.

"He has never wanted to hide away. He has worked incredibly hard at his game, particularly over the past six to eight weeks, and in the last month or so his form has been outstanding.

"Some people seemed a little surprised that he scored the try he did at St Helens but he is that sort of talent and it's the sort of thing I expect from him.

"It's a big boost to the side to have him firing again and hopefully he can help us go all the way to the Grand Final and more success."

Pryce was last week named in England's 24-strong squad for the World Cup at the end of the season and top performances in the play-offs are sure to have a big say in the make-up of the side for the opener against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, October 28.

The Bulls report excellent ticket sales for Saturday's game and the box office will remain open for business until 8.00pm tonight.

They can also be purchased tomorrow between 9.15am and 5.30pm and on Saturday between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Elliott has still to finalise his side but has hinted he may include Paul Deacon and the Paul brothers in his starting line-up. "It is something I need to consider as all three players have something different to offer."