Stephen Holgate's decision to sign a two-year deal has given Halifax a timely boost ahead of the derby cup showdown with the Bulls.

The 28-year-old second-rower's future looked to be in the balance despite impressing against both Hull KR and Castleford in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup during a one-month loan spell at the Shay.

Holgate missed last weekend's last-gasp victory over Hull FC in the Blue Sox's opening game of the Super League season through flu.

However after agreeing a two-year deal earlier this week, Holgate now looks set to face Matthew Elliott's Bulls side on Sunday.

Before the season kicked off many were predicting a season of struggle for the Blue Sox in 2000 but they pulled off a major surprise in the last round with a televised 11-10 victory at Castleford.

And Holgate is hoping that the victory over last season's surprise package in Super League will act as a springboard for the cup clash with the Bulls.

He said: "It will be a very hard game against Bradford.

"They have a big pack but we showed at Castleford what we can achieve if we really believe in ourselves."

The 28-year-old is equally pleased to have finalised his future at the Shay.

He said: "Since I came here I have had my self-belief restored and I am delighted to be staying permanently.

"We have a great set of lads here and the camaraderie is unbelievable.

"Everyone from the board down has made me feel welcome."

The Blue Sox victory at Wheldon Road was a huge fillip for a squad who have undergone the biggest turnover of staff in Super League following last season's well-documented cash problems.

Player-coach Gary Mercer has recruited well in the close-season with several players having a point to prove after moving to the Shay from rival Super League clubs.

Scrum-half Andrew Dunemann had a huge influence on the result against Castleford last week by having a hand in both of the Blue Sox's first-half tries which helped put them 10-0 ahead at the break.

And when Castleford hit back to draw level in the second half, Dunemann struck with a drop goal to clinch a thrilling and morale-boosting win for the Blue Sox.

However the Blue Sox are well aware that facing the in-form Bulls will be a very different matter.

They have also been troubled with injury news through the week with Marvin Golden struggling with a thumb and shoulder injury.

Brett Goldspink and influential stand-off Martin Pearson also picked up injuries in the win over Hull but are expected to be fit.

Darryl Cardiss is also battling to be fit to face Elliott's men in the big cup clash.

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