Only skipper Robbie Paul will be absent from the deliberations when Bulls coach Matthew Elliott sits down to settle his team for Friday night's visit of basement outfit Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants.

Paul is still recovering after suffering a punctured lung and two broken ribs in the derby draw at Halifax 11 days ago and has been granted a week away from Odsal to aid his recovery.

But the Bulls are boosted by the return to fitness of Nathan McAvoy (knee) and Justin Brooker (ankle) who both missed the morale-boosting win over Castleford Tigers.

"They are both fine and it gives me the opportunity to perhaps switch things around a little and rest a few players,2 he said.

Meanwhile, Elliott looks set to pit his wits against a former playing colleagues from Australia.

Tony Smith, brother of ex-Odsal boss Brian, is today expected to be unveiled as the new Giants boss in succession to England coach John Kear.

Smith played alongside Elliott and current Bulls loose forward Brad Mackay for St George in the 1992 Aussie Grand Final and the Odsal coach believes the appointment would be an excellent one.

"Tony is a different personality to Brian but is also very knowledgeable and knows how to get on with people," Elliott said.

"His appointment might not be good news for us as I am sure he would be an excellent influence at Huddersfield."

The Giants have been showing improved form recently under another ex-St George star Jeff Hardy who has been sharing coaching duties with Phil Veivers since the sacking of Kear.

"Jeff has obviously told them to go out and enjoy themselves now their place in Super League has been secured and they are playing a far more expansive game."

Meanwhile the Bulls say they are not in a position to announce whether Aussie back-rower David Boyle is heading home at the end of the season although it seems increasingly likely that he will decline the offer of a new contract.