Bradford Bulls have restored Kiwi ace Robbie Paul as team captain for the 1999 Super League campaign.

Paul was put in charge by former coach Brian Smith in 1995 at the age of only 19 and a year later became the youngest captain in a Wembley final when he led the side out against St Helens.

But after being replaced last term by Graeme Bradley to allow Paul to concentrate on his own game, coach Matthew Elliott believes the time is now right for his return to the helm.

"When Robbie had the job previously he was an emerging international. Over the last 12 months he has become an established international and I have recognised a big difference in his confidence.

"He didn't have the best of seasons last year but we did so poorly as a unit that it was very difficult to gauge individuals.

"I always said when I gave the captaincy to Graeme last year that Robbie would be in charge on the field again. I expect big things from him next season."

Paul's place as club captain goes to respected loose forward Steve McNamara and Elliott believes they will make the perfect team for the Bulls on the field and within the community.

"An important aspect is that they have the respect of the rest of the players," he went on.

"Steve is a very intelligent footballer and has always has always had the ambition to take a leadership role. He is delighted to be realising it with such a big club."

Elliott says that the retirement of Bradley, who was such a dominant figure around the Odsal scene, has also opened the door for other senior players to take more responsibility.

"I am pleased to say that has happened naturally and the likes of Stuart Spruce, who has always been a consummate professional, is stepping forward with inspirational qualities."

Meanwhile the Bulls have been ordered to pay an initial £25,000 to Hull for Great Britain Academy forward Lee Radford.

After 15 senior games another sum of £10,000 will be due and a further £15,000 for the 15 games after that.

In the event of Radford becoming a full international with England or Great Britain the overall sum would reach £60,000.

The Bulls had offered £20,000 for the talented youngster but Hull had demanded £120,000.

The tribunal also ordered Hull to pay First Division Hunslet £5,000 for ex-Keighley loose forward Bob Roberts, with a further £15,000 after 30 appearances.

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