Coach Matthew Elliott will bid to put one over on an old rival when the Bulls visit Gateshead on Sunday.

Thunder boss Shaun McRae was in charge at St Helens for almost three years during which time he endured some titanic struggles with Elliott's men, including two Challenge Cup finals.

And now he is relishing another tactical battle with McRae whose Thunder side have made an impressive start.

"For a new team I think that the position they are in is outstanding," said Elliott. "Bomber (McRae) has done an outstanding job for them.

"The way that they have progressed is testament to his ability as a coach. In complimenting their team you have to compliment their coach and I am quite happy to do that.

"They also have some pretty good players across the park. They have started to put some cohesion into their play and that is reflected in their achievements as a team."

Elliott hopes to finalise his selection at training today and hopes that Bernard Dwyer (knee) and Paul Anderson (suspension) will be the only absentees.

"Tevita Vaikona has been a carrying a bit of a groin injury for the last couple of games.

"He did manage to train yesterday though and I will give him as long as possible to prove his fitness," added Elliott.

The Tongan winger still needs two tries to complete a career century in British rugby league.

The Bulls under-21 side are in action against Widnes at Odsal tomorrow (2.30pm).

Paul Sykes, Gareth Handford and Chris Langley are rewarded for consistently good performances for the Academy side by being promoted to Alliance side.

Their places at junior level and taken by the latest influx of teenage recruits who make their debuts at Widnes.

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