Overseas stars Tevita Vaikona and Justin Brooker are on course for their first senior outings of the season in Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final dress rehearsal with Warrington Wolves at Odsal.

It's part of coach Matthew Elliott's plan to rotate his squad in much the same way that has enabled Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson to keep the soccer giants' interest alive in both league and cup.

"It's a long season and I have told the players that they will all have a part to play," explained Elliott. "I don't like disappointing players but I suppose it comes with the territory at times."

Tongan World Cup contender Vaikona has not figured at all so far have damaging his hand on the club's pre-season training camp in Lazarote while Aussie Brooker has been forced to bide his time after missing the start of the cup campaign with thumb trouble.

Both played for the Alliance side last week when Brooker made a big impression and although Vaikona was forced to retire with a slight injury they are both set for a run-out at some stage against the Wolves especially as top try scorer Michael Withers is a doubt with rib trouble which almost kept him of the win at Halifax last weekend.

"Bernard Dywer is also firmly in the frame for the weekend and it shows that although we have had a settled side for the last three games there is healthy competition for places ahead of the semi-final.

Meanwhile Elliott has said he will not stand in the way l From Back page

of experienced prop Neil Harmon if Halifax pursue their reported interest in the player.

"I am quite happy with Neil's contribution, but there are a few people ahead of him in the pecking order and if he gets the chance of regular first team rugby somewhere else both parties would obviously have to consider it seriously."

Bulls have also revealed that they have secured a two-year shorts sponsorship deal with the Sewell Distribution Group.

Sewell's chairman is former Bradford Northern player Ken Sewell. He said: "I am delighted to be able to put something back into the club."

Fans are being invited to a rugby league forum staged by Radio 5 Live at Heading-ley on Monday from 8pm-10pm. Free tickets are available by ringing 08700-100-500.

Meanwhile Dewsbury Rams guaranteed a place in the Trans-Pennine Cup final against Leigh with a 26-19 win over York Wasps last night. Second rower Billy Kershaw scored a hat-trick of tries.

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