Bradford Bulls today landed Salford centre Scott Naylor as they pressed ahead with their squad re-building for the 1999 campaign.

The capture of the 26-year-old on a two-year contract follows Wednesday's sensational swoop for Wigan's crowd pleasing half-back Henry Paul and re-affirms chairman Chris Caisley's pledge to re-build the fading champions.

Naylor, who is out of contract at the Willows at the end of the season, has been unable to agree a new deal and the Bulls stepped in.

Coach Matthew Elliott, who needs to strengthen in the middle-backs following the decision of skipper Graeme Bradley to retire at the end of the season, said: "I am sure Scott will make a big impact with us next season and add an extra cutting-edge to our backs."

Media manager Stuart Duffy said: "We have had our eye on Scott for some time. He is a tough uncompromising centre with a lot of skill who makes play for his winger. He is very much in the Graeme Bradley mould and we will be looking for him to have a similar impact on the squad."

His switch to Odsal will see him team up again with the Bulls recent £100,000 buy Nathan McAvoy who was his regular centre partner with the Reds following his switch from Wigan in 1993.

Elliott is understandably reluctant to comment on the make-up of the squad for next season but the signing of Naylor along with the anticipated arrival of Aussie backs Nick Zisti, from Cronulla, and Balmain's Michael Withers seems certain to signal some departures.

Meanwhile Sheffield Eagles can do the Bulls a big favour with victory over London Broncos tonight.

Victory for London would put them level on points with the Bulls and increase the pressure on Elliott's men as they prepare for Sunday night's visit of Warrington Wolves to Odsal.

In tonight's other match, Halifax visit Hull looking to keep alive their hopes of displacing Leeds in second place.

The Blue Sox, 125-1 outsiders before Super League III began, have been the surprise package of the season and a win at The Boulevard would all but clinch a vital third-placed finish.

Halifax coach John Pendlebury said: "It will be a tough match, with Hull looking to cause an upset. But we're playing well - we aren't in third spot for no reason - and I'm quietly confident about how we'll do."

The Sharks are looking to restore damaged pride after three defeats in as many weeks.

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