Scoring tries has always been part of Nathan McAvoy's life as a professional rugby league player.

In 118 appearances for Salford, he crossed the whitewash 75 times. And in 72 games since joining the Bulls from his home-town club in 1998, he has scored 41 tries.

That is the kind of ratio that made Surrey Sports quote him at 25-1 to be the leading try-scorer in Tetley's Super League VII.

But, perhaps because knee injuries have restricted his first-team matches in the past two campaigns, McAvoy is being understandably cagey about the 2002 season.

And, let's face it, it is tough enough for him to even break into a Bulls back line that could feature Lesley Vainikolo, Tevita Vaikona, Scott Naylor and Lee Gilmour.

But two tries in three matches, and some searching runs besides, is part of the reason why Brian Noble has no qualms about selecting the former Great Britain Academy captain in his starting 13 against Hull FC tonight.

The 6ft 4in, 16st 7lb back knows it is early in the piece, but says: "My form is about what I expected it to be at this stage of the season.

"But I know that no amount of work in the gym or no amount of road running can ever compensate for what happens when you drive with the ball towards an opponent."

McAvoy started the Bulls' fightback by scoring their first try last Sunday against Widnes after the shock of them going 12-0 behind inside eight minutes.

There wasn't much of a gap to aim for, but the giant winger dived under the challenge of Jason Demetriou in the left-hand corner in front of the Bulls fans.

Widnes coach Neil Kelly claimed that McAvoy touched the flag before the ball was planted, and even questioned the grounding of the ball.

However, McAvoy says: "I definitely touched the ball down before I hit the flag."

Tonight McAvoy will be coming face to face with his former team-mate Graham Mackay, and says: "Hull are tough opposition and they have some good players.

"Graham is one I will look out for, but although we have picked up some injuries, I have every confidence in the players that will turn out for the Bulls. I know because I played with a lot of them in the Alliance team last year."

Among the crowd will be both the England and Scotland 18 Group rugby union sides. They face each other on Saturday at West Park Bramhope.