Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is hoping that Australian star Michael Withers will be fit to face the Blue Sox on Sunday.

Withers suffered badly bruised ribs in last Friday's impressive 32-10 win over St Helens in the Super League opener at Knowsley Road.

Elliott said: "He was in a lot of pain earlier this week but it has eased in recent days and we are hopeful of him making a full recovery."

Withers, voted Bulls' Player of the Year last season, has made an impressive start to the new campaign and scored a hat-trick of tries when his side brushed past Wakefield in the last round of the cup.

Either Tevita Vaikona or new Australian import Justin Brooker will deputise if he does not recover full fitness in time.

Provided Withers is declared fit, Elliott will name an unchanged 17 for the cup clash.

He said: "Everybody has been going well and I am more than happy to keep the same squad together.

"This is going to be a tough game but we have prepared well."

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