Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is refusing to let more speculation over the future of Shaun Edwards cloud his thinking ahead of tomorrow night's Super League launch at Huddersfield.

Rumours of a move back to Wigan have been rife, and a national newspaper reported yesterday that Edwards had been dropped to the bench for the Giants clash and quoted the former Central Park star as saying: "He is the coach and obviously picks whoever he wants. He has told me I am on the bench and I am not happy about it."

But Elliott says: "I am not in the habit of revealing my side publicly in advance, but what I will say is that contracted players are expected to be 100 per cent committed to the club and play wherever they are asked. That goes for all the players."

Sources close to the club have been concerned for some time about a campaign from over the Pennines to unsettle Edwards, for whatever reason, but Elliott insists there has been no official approach from Wigan since an initial enquiry earlier this year.

Some might see it as an unwanted distraction as the Bulls begin the defence of their crown, but Elliott insists: "I personally do not have a problem with Shaun and I expect him to play an instrumental part at Huddersfield.

"The rumours have not affected my judgement one bit. I will always pick my teams on the basis of fitness and form."

After a rest day yesterday, the Bulls were back in training today to finalise preparations.

As Elliott prepared to give a late fitness test to winger Jon Scales, Giants boss Garry Schofield has already revealed his hand and more than a hint of his tactics by naming a pack including four props.

Ex-Bull Jeff Wittenberg and former Leeds man Nick Fozzard will line-up in the second row behind Neil Harmon and Jonathan Neill.

"They are not exactly noted for their outstanding wide running games," joked Elliott, who added: "I think we can expect a pretty torrid time up front."

Huddersfield: Cook; Belle, Weston, Loughlin, Arnold; Veivers, Orr; Harmon, Russell, Neill, Wittenberg, Fozzard, Sturm. Subs: Hanger, Berry, Richards, King.

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