Bradford Bulls second-rower Sonny Nickle is a top target for Super League rivals Castleford Tigers.

Nickle became a free agent recently after reaching a settlement on the final year of his Odsal contract and the Wheldon Road club's Aussie coach Stuart Raper is keen to re-build the former Great Britain star's career.

The 29-year-old has already had talks with top flight newcomers Wakefield Trinity but is still open to offers after being unable to agree terms.

Nickle was shown the door at Odsal after failing to hold down a regular slot last season due to loss of form and a whiplash injury which kept him on the sidelines for three months.

But he is an attractive proposition for Super League clubs as no transfer fee would be involved.

Tigers chief executive Richard Wright is conducting negotiations with Nickle as Raper completes a holiday Down Under.

Bulls will parade their six new signings for the first time against Malcolm Reilly's Huddersfield Giants - on a Saturday afternoon.

Coach Matthew Elliott had hoped to arrange a couple of warm-up games on the two Sundays prior to the start of their Challenge Cup campaign on February 14 but the League has ruled no games can be played on Sunday, January 31 because of the cup third round so the clash with the Giants has been brought forward 24 hours.

New overseas recruits Henry Paul, Nick Zisti, Michael Withers and David Boyle are all likely to be included in the side for the derby which will have a 3.00pm kick-off.

The Bulls will complete their pre-season preparations on Sunday, February 7 with a visit from Wakefield when Kevin Crouthers and Andy Hodgson could make a speedy return to Odsal.

Crouthers has joined Trinity on loan for the season while Hodgson teamed up with last season's First Division Grand Final winners after being made a free agent.

Bulls squad numbers and a new strip for the 1999 season will be unveiled at a special supporters night at St George's Hall on Friday, January 29.

Meanwhile the club has reported a late rush for discounted season tickets with sales already exceeding figures for the opening three Super League campaigns.

Tonight is the last chance to buy tickets at reduced rates. The Odsal office is open until 7.30pm.

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