Bulls skipper Robbie Paul officially launched his testimonial season at a glitzy but light-hearted function at Odsal yesterday.
The battle between rugby union and rugby league is the theme for a series of functions to be hosted by Paul and brother Henry, the former Bull who now plies his trade for Gloucester in rugby union's Zurich Premiership.
The pair took part in a question and answer session at the launch during
which the best questions came from Bulls prop Joe Vagana, who asked: "How big is Danny Buderus?" and "Isn't it true you've got a glass jaw" - references to Paul being knocked out by the Australian hooker in the recent Anzac Test.
The pair promised plenty more banter during Robbie's testimonial programme but the best news for Bulls fans is that the skipper should be fit to play
against London Broncos on Monday as his ankle injury suffered in the huge hit by Buderus is healing well.
"It's getting there. It's responding well to treatment so I'm optimistic," said Paul.
However, coach Brian Noble said star winger Lesley Vainikolo was a doubt due
to the severe knocks he took to his eye and throat against Warrington on Tuesday.
"Les is a big doubt. He got a smack in the head and a smack in the throat so he won't practise today. We'll check on him tomorrow," said Noble.
Aaron Smith is another who has not trained, with Noble hinting that the hooker's nagging shoulder problem could soon require a lengthy lay-off.
"The kid has been tough enough to stand up and be counted in most of these
games but at some stage we need to have a look at his long-term well-being," he said.
"Other than that it is just bumps and bruises. We should be able to pick from everybody else."
l Six Bulls players have been selected for the Yorkshire versus Lancashire academy Origin series.
Matt Bottom will represent Lancashire and he'll be
taking on Bulls team-mates Paul Clarke, Matthew Cook, Brett Ferres, Matthew
James and Karl Pryce.
The first match is on Saturday, May 8 (3.40pm) at The Willows
as a curtain-raiser to Salford's clash with London. The return match will be a curtain-raiser at Odsal on June 5 when the Bulls take on Leeds Rhinos.
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