England scrum-half Paul Deacon will miss the launch of the Bulls Challenge Cup and Super League campaigns after a freak training accident.

The talented 20-year-old is having his foot pinned after an incident in the weights room at their training camp in Lanzarote and is expected to be sidelined for the opening six weeks of the season.

"It is very unfortunate to say the least," admitted Bulls coach Matthew Elliott. "But these things happen and hopefully Paul will be back with us quickly."

Winger Tevita Vaikona and Stuart Spruce will also miss Sunday's warm-up clash with Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Odsal (2.30pm).

Vaikona has broken a small bone in his hand while Spruce is recovering from shoulder surgery.

Meanwhile, returning hero Steve McNamara has admitted his close-season departure from Odsal was the biggest disappointment of his career.

But after being named as the new Wakefield Wildcats skipper this week the goalkicking loose forward immediately set his sights on emulating the Bulls' success story at Belle Vue.

"It will be strange going back there on Sunday but it is something I am looking forward to," he said ahead of the warm-up clash with his former colleagues.

"The Bulls squad looks pretty formidable and they will be one of the favourites for the Challenge Cup and Super League. But my future is with Wakefield and I have to look forward.

"These are exciting times at Wakefield and the city is really buzzing again with rugby league.

"The club has pushed the boat out in putting together a high-quality squad and expectations are high.

"We are making no rash predictions but what we want to do is make sure we are competitive in every game.

"But I am sure after the

expenditure that the club has put in they will be looking at pushing for the top five.

"It will take time for us to blend because we are effectively a new side.

"Sunday gives us the first chance to gauge how far we have come and how much we have to do." But McNamara admits it will be an emotional day too.

"I have some great friends among the players and I am looking forward to seeing them after the game."

The Bulls are holding their squad numbers presentation night at St George's Hall tonight when the club's new shirts will be on sale, along with their hugely popular £10 junior season tickets.

Stand tickets for the cup game go on sale tomorrow. Those wishing to reserve their normal seats should produce their season ticket book. The Odsal office will be open between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

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