Nathan McAvoy's conversion to the wing will be put to the test at Salford on Sunday as he lines up against the fastest man in the business.

Martin Offiah, the all-time leading English try scorer, once clocked the British Olympic qualifying time of 10.3 seconds for the 100 metres. Now he claims to be running faster than ever after putting his injury problems behind him to enjoy a resurgent spell at the Willows.

But the in-form Bulls star, who has notched eight tries in as many games despite his switch from centre to his current role on the flank, is confident he can contain the Salford City Reds star.

"I'm not too slow myself," McAvoy warned.

"I've played against Martin a few times back in my early Salford days and I'm really looking forward to coming up against him again.

"I'm not really frightened of his pace. As long as he doesn't get around me then he will have to cut in-field where someone else will tackle him."

The televised clash at the Willows, kick-off 6.35pm, holds special significance for McAvoy, who gained his first taste for the game while stood on the terraces as a Salford supporter.

"I was a big Salford fan growing up. I used to go with my dad every Sunday afternoon and I always thought that was what I wanted to do," he said.

"One thing led to another and I started playing at amateur level before starting at Salford and moving here. Now I'm loving playing alongside world class players and for a great coaching staff.

"My favourite player back then was Tex Evans but I have always loved the game's characters like Steve Gibson and when Andy Gregory came to the club I enjoyed playing with him. But when next week comes I'll put all that behind me and concentrate on getting a result."

McAvoy, who scored at his old stamping ground in the Bulls' 58-20 win in the corresponding fixture last year, still keeps an eye on the progress of his home town team but this year has reserved his judgement on their Super League hopes.

"They have brought in a few overseas players and a few domestic players but it's difficult to say how well they will fare this year because it is still early in the season. They normally come good around the middle of the season.

"But this year, because the English season is becoming a much tougher season, we have to concentrate on ourselves rather than the other teams so I'm looking forward to the match and to hopefully helping Bradford to their fifth Super League win."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.