Nathan McAvoy returns to Wigan tomorrow willing and able to do whatever job is needed.

The former England international re-joined the Bulls on the eve of the season after the Warriors - ironically given today's news - failed to deliver a new contract due to salary cap issues.

Bradford boss Steve McNamara snapped up his old team-mate and McAvoy has gone on to make 17 appearances, proving a useful addition with his versatility value.

Either on the wing, at centre, entering the fray off the bench or even being switched to second-row, the 30-year-old has slotted in.

Not always the biggest crowd favourite given his proneness to the odd fumble, McAvoy has looked a lot more comfortable in recent weeks playing in his favoured role of centre, first replacing the injured James Evans and then Ben Harris.

His defence in the win against Leeds last week was excellent and he came up with a pearl of a pass to send in Tame Tupou for a vital try.

"Centre's where I've wanted to play and with the injuries we've picked up it's been good for me, if not those who are out," he said, with Shontayne Hape another crocked three-quarter.

"I'm just glad I've got a chance. When Steve brought me here it was to cover a number of positions and I've done that.

"He knew what my strengths were, I do too and we spoke about covering wing, centre and second-row.

"Bradford use their centres and second-rows the way I like them, running good lines, running off the halves, and it really suits me being here. I'm glad to fill in and hopefully I can keep playing where I'm playing and cement a position. "Either way I'm just happy to be a part of this."

Despite the return of Australian Harris, McAvoy will retain his place at the JJB Stadium tomorrow as the high-flying Bulls go in search of a sixth straight win.

He played the final 14 games of last season for Wigan, helping them avoid the drop, and is looking forward to returning to face his former team-mates.

"It's a big chance for us," he added. "We're coming in off a big win but we know Wigan will be looking to bounce back after their loss at Wakefield.

"I don't like talking about the opposition too much but we have discussed their strengths and weaknesses and know if we can win over at Wigan we will open up a gap between us and them."

McAvoy scored 45 tries in 89 Super Leagues during his first spell at Bradford having signed from Salford in 1998.

Strangely, he has yet to cross the whitewash this time around but being part of the victorious Bulls sides that lifted the Super League title (2001), Challenge Cup (2000) and World Club Challenge (2002), McAvoy knows all about what is needed to be a success.

He is adamant the current crop is destined for a spectacular finish to the season and said: "There's a real atmosphere around the club at the moment and the boys know they are part of something special.

"Hopefully that will rub off at the end of the year with the success the club wants - silverware."

With his contract up at the end of the year, McAvoy would like to extend his second spell at Odsal and said: "I'd love to stay here. It'd be great for my family to stay another year."

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