Bradford Bulls were breathing a collective sigh of relief today after X-rays cleared powerhouse prop Harvey Howard of a broken jaw.

But coach Matthew Elliott was still fuming at the appalling late tackle by Salford skipper David Bradbury in the Bulls' 40-18 win at Odsal last night which threatened to end his recent signing's season.

Bradbury was instantly dismissed by referee John Connolly after being put on report seconds earlier for a high shot on teenager Stuart Fielden.

Elliott blasted: "It was a despicable act, and it is more by luck than good management that Harvey has not sustained a very bad injury. As far as I am concerned Bradbury should be on the plane to Italy with Paulo Di Canio!

"I am obviously relieved that there is no break, but I am very unhappy about having to go through the whole process at hospital last night."

Despite scoring his first try for the club minutes after the second half incident, Howard was convinced afterwards that medical checks would rule him out of the play-offs and end his hopes of a Great Britain call-up for November's Test series with the Kiwis.

Signed on a short-term contract from Sydney outfit Wests to boost the Bulls' play-off hopes, Howard looked forlorn in the dressing room as he said: "It's been a long way to come if my year has got to end here."

Bulls' spokesman Stuart Duffy said today: "Our doctor, dentist and physio were all pretty sure he had a broken jaw, but fortunately that is not the case.

"Harvey says he feels like he has a golf ball in his mouth, but he should be OK for the play-offs at St Helens on Friday."

Meanwhile, Elliott is relishing the role of underdogs as the champions prepare for the do-or-die battle at Knowsley Road.

The Odsal outfit are being written off in many quarters ahead of the daunting trip to a Saints side who have hit top form in recent weeks, with left-wing duo Paul Newlove and Anthony Sullivan in devastating form.

But, boosted by the return of key players, Elliott says: "We know we need a big 80-minute effort, but we certainly believe we can beat them. We can't do anything about Saints' confidence, but we will certainly be working on our own and we know what is required."

Stuart Spruce and Brian McDermott (both knee), Abi Ekoku (calf) and Mike Forshaw (ankle) are all expected to return after missing the clash with the Reds, while Elliott has not completely given up hope on hooker Jimmy Lowes (concussion).

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