Bradford Bulls linchpin Henry Paul is determined to continue playing through the pain barrier to help put his old club Wigan further off the pace in the race for Grand Final glory.

The Kiwi ace carried a slight leg strain through last Sunday's hard-earned victory at Gateshead but admits: "I wouldn't miss this one for the world.

"The injury is much easier and, while this game won't decide anything, it provides a great platform for us to signal our intentions for the rest of the reason.

"We know we have improvement in us and that is pretty encouraging considering the position we are in.

"We have certainly not been helped with injuries and, unlike Wigan last year, we have not been able to field settled sides. But we should be able to do put the same side out this week and I am really looking forward to putting one over on Wigan."

The Warriors have already lost three games in Super League - one more than in the entire programme last year- but Paul has too much respect for his colleagues to suggest they might be on the slide.

"I know the character they have in the side and, while all the top five will have to watch their backs because of the improving standards throughout the competition, I fully expect them to make the play-offs.

"I still live in Wigan but spend a lot of my time over here and to be honest I don't really care what goes on there now. They were happy days but my sole aim now it to repeat the Grand Final success with Bradford."

It's perhaps no coincidence that Wigan's problems have largely been at half-back following the decision not to renew Paul's contract and the sale of Darryl Cardiss to Halifax.

Paul's replacement Greg Flor-imo has been hampered by injury, but his anticipated return after knee trouble on Saturday will set up an intriguing tussle.

The Bulls welcome back Paul Anderson after suspension and Elliott main selection poser is whether to stick with the promise of teenager Leon Pryce on the wing or give Aussie Nick Zisti a chance to regain his form.

Wigan's have been reporting injury doubts about skipper Andy Farrell and centre Gary Connolly but Bulls expect them both to play.

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