Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott has called for his players to toughen up as the chase for a place in the Super League play-off reaches a critical stage.

The Bulls' physical domination of the opposition was a cornerstone of their 1997 title success but they have been on the receiving end of late, highlighted by Sunday's 25-12 defeat by neighbours Halifax at the Shay.

"We have been losing the physical battle recently and everything else you try to plan goes out of the window if you don't get that aspect right," said Elliott.

"There is no simple answer to our current problems but getting this aspect of our game right would be a big help. We have talked about it a lot and seen where the faults lie but it all comes down to doing it on the day.

"I am beginning to sound like a long-playing record but I will continue to work hard to get things right. It is a big challenge which I am ready to meet."

In a bid to add more aggression to the squad talks have been continuing with former Leeds prop Harvey Howard.

The playing is seeking clarification of his future with his Aussie side Wests who are in merger talks with neighbours Canterbury.

If he decides on a return to Britain, the Bulls will lead the race for his services and would hope to have him on board for the fifth spot showdown with London Broncos at the Stoop on Sunday week.

Elliott says: "It is a difficult process but we are continuing to chip away at it.

"He is contracted to Wests for next season so there are some complicated procedures to go through including insurance measures.

"But we are having a go because we feel he would be a very useful short term addition."

Meanwhile the Bulls are making further checks today on injured pair Bernard Dwyer and Nathan McAvoy ahead of the Bank Holiday clash with Castleford Tigers at Odsal.

Both are reported to be making good progress after knee and ankle injuries respectively.

Shaun McRae today pledged his full commitment to St Helens for the rest of the season, despite his appointment as coach to Super League newcomers Gateshead.

The 38-year-old Australian was officially confirmed as head coach of the North East club, who also announced the signing of Australian international forwards Kerrod Walters (Adelaide) and Danny Lee (Cronulla).

The appointment of McRae came within hours of former Great Britain boss Malcolm Reilly being installed as successor to Garry Schofield as Huddersfield coach.

Reilly will finish the season with Newcastle Knights before returning to England and McRae, too, will see out the remaining two months of his three-year contract at Knowsley Road.

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