Bradford Bulls are on course for record season ticket sales in the build-up to the 1999 campaign.

Demand is reported to be well up on the same period for the first three Super League seasons and the club has extended office opening hours and put on extra staff to cope with demand.

"The spending spree on players has obviously given the fans a lift and raised expectations for the new season," said club spokesman Stuart Duffy.

"Sales were going well anyway but there has been a real rush for Christmas and we will be looking at record figures."

Fans are reminded that discounted season tickets are only available until December 30.

The Odsal office is open from 9.00am to 12.30pm tomorrow. It re-opens next Tuesday for sales between 9.00am and 5.30pm. Other opening times next week are Wednesday (Dec 30) 9.00am-7.30pm and Thursday 9.00am to 2.00pm.

The Bulls' development team are holding coaching sessions for children aged between 11 and 13 at the ballpark Centre, Park Avenue on January 4-5 (10am-noon).

The sessions, which cost £15 all in for the two days, are for a maximum of 30 children, and will finish with a bull tag competition.

No experience is necessary and the kids will also receive a season ticket, plus there will be prizes for the winners.

Places can be booked by ringing the development office on 01274-738159 or 733899 before Sunday, January 3.

l Super League new boys Gateshead Thunder have finalised their squad with the signing of centre Brett Grogan from Newcastle Knights.

The 25-year-old Grogan, who is Gateshead's 23rd recruit, is a former Australian schoolboy international and was in the Knights' 1997 Grand Final win over Manly.

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