Bradford Bulls are intent on keeping the Paul brothers' partnership flourishing at Odsal for as long as possible.

They hope to follow yesterday's re-signing of captain Robbie by securing the long-term future of brother Henry despite competition from rugby union and top clubs in the National Rugby League Down Under, including the Auckland Warriors.

Robbie gave the Bulls a major boost before their Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington today by agreeing a three-year extension to his contract.

The mercurial scrum-half is now committed to the club until the end of 2003, and the Bulls hope that Henry will do likewise.

The older Paul's present contract does not expire until the end of the 2001 season.

But chairman Chris Caisley expects to open negotiations on a new deal this season.

"We'll be chatting to him before the end of the year," said Caisley. "It would be nice to keep them both - they are smashing lads.

"Robbie is part of the furniture and has been a big part of the club's development."

Henry, 26, is a target for England rugby union coach Clive Woodward, and both brothers were sought by Auckland Warriors.

But Caisley is confident that both will continue their club careers at Odsal.

"Auckland have tried for the last two years to sign them," he said. "But we've resisted, and Henry has said he has no intention of playing rugby union.

"The Paul family is steeped in rugby league, and both players are extremely happy at Bradford."

If the Bulls are successful today tickets for the final at Murrayfield will go on sale on Monday to vice-presidents, season ticket holders and sponsors only.

An alteration by the club means they now go on general sale on Tuesday between 10am and 8pm.

All adult season ticket holders will be allowed two tickets on production of Voucher D.

All junior season ticket holders will be allowed one ticket per voucher.

Turnstiles will be open for those wishing to pay by cash and the general office will be open for credit cards and cheque purchases.

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