Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott believes his side will be facing Super League's "most committed" team in Sunday's Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Rivals Halifax have impressed him with their determined style of play this season and he admits: "It is going to be a tough match at the Shay."

Elliott has tremendous respect for the job coach Gary Mercer - the former Bradford Northern, Warrington and Leeds star - has done in revitalising a side which experienced a disappointing campaign last year.

Elliott said: "He has recruited wisely and the results they have achieved have been very well deserved.

"Players like Greg Florimo, Marvin Golden and Brett Goldspink are top performers and we must not under-estimate the task we face."

Elliott has no injury worries as his squad continue their preparation for the cup clash.

Winger Tevita Vaikona and Australian centre Justin Brooker, who have not featured in first team action, are fit again and are due to play for the Alliance Under-21 side against Hull at Odsal tomorrow night.

Also expected to be in the line up is experienced prop Neil Harmon who would like to stake a claim to be included in the 17 for the Halifax game.

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