Tongan ace Tevita Vaikona is struggling to figure in the Bulls drive for Super League Grand Final glory at Old Trafford next month after breaking a hand.

The club's top try scorer sustained the injury in Monday's clash with Castleford but did not initially think it was too serious.

But X-rays have revealed damage to the scaphoid and Vaikona is now in plaster hoping his promising first season in the top flight has not come to a premature end.

Coach Matthew Elliott insists that the Bulls have not seen the last of their 13-try winger who has been an ever-present this season and underlined his worth with a man of the match showing against the Tigers.

"It is difficult to say at this stage how long he may be out but we have certainly not given up on him.

"He will get the best treatment including sessions in an oxygen chamber which will speed the healing process but we will just have to see how it progresses. He has been big success in his first season at this level and it hasn't finished yet.

"It's obviously a blow but that is footy and we have to handle it. We have players in the squad who can come in and do a first class job.

"Matt Calland is available again this week and Andy Hodgson is having a run-out in rugby union with Wharfedale so he too could come into contention in the next few weeks."

Calland and Abi Ekoku look set to battle it out for Vaikona's right wing slot against London Broncos at the Stoop on Sunday night when Nathan McAvoy could also figure after an ankle scare.

The £140,000 recruit from Salford has made steady progress in training this week and Elliott will make a further check before finalising the side which heads south tomorrow afternoon for an overnight stay in the capital.

The club are running coaches to the Stoop leaving Odsal at 1.15pm on Sunday. Seats are £15 per person. Further details can be obtained from the Bulls' marketing department on 733899.

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