Michael Platt hopes for a treble celebration tomorrow - returning to the Bulls side, marching on towards Wembley and toasting his new three-year deal.

The Bradford full back has featured only once since pulling his hamstring against Catalans in March, with first injury and then Dave Halley's stellar performances keeping him on the sidelines.

But he hopes to be back for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth-round tie versus the same opponents and today revealed he has also put pen to paper on a deal that keeps him at Odsal until 2011.

Platt's current contract is up at the end of Super League XIII so the player, who joined from Castleford 18 months ago, is thrilled at extending his stay.

"When I signed here I knew I was coming to one of the top clubs and that's where all players want to do their stuff," said Platt, who is set to start against the Dragons with James Evans a doubt due to a dead-leg.

"I'm delighted to be staying at Bradford for another three years and I think I've improved while I've been here.

"I've still got a lot to do but the club have shown a lot of faith in me by giving me a deal that long.

"I don't know too many Bradford Bulls who have gone on to higher heights from here and leaving was not something I ever wanted to do, so it's great it's all sorted."

The prospect of reaching Wembley is exciting 24-year-old Platt, who has vivid Challenge Cup memories as a supporter.

He said: "I went to watch St Helens against Bradford with my dad in 1996 and 97. He's a Saints fan and I used to go with him to games but they're the only two times I've been to Wembley.

"Obviously Bradford lost both times but hopefully it'll be third time lucky this year with the Bulls getting there and winning.

"I'd love to play there. I think it is the best stadium in the world and it was one of the goals we set at the start of the year.

"We're only three wins away now but this is a massive game. We know, being the Challenge Cup, we can't afford any slip-ups and Catalans will be tough.

"I feel I can add something to the team though and am looking forward to playing if selected."

It has been a frustrating spell for Platt, whose only appearance in the last nine weeks has been a brief stint off the bench versus Toulouse in the previous round.

That was his first after hamstring trouble but he broke his nose in the game and has been back in reserve grade since, unable to dislodge rookie Halley, who continues to impress in the No1 berth.

"It's never nice as you want to play in every match but it's part and parcel of the game," explained Platt, who had been first-choice full back until injury struck.

"You just have to sit there, bite your tongue, bite your nails, get on with things and then make the most of your chance when you get it.

"I want to get back up to performing well straight away and am really looking forward to playing again."

Bulls boss Steve McNamara said of Platt's new deal: "I am delighted we have been able to keep Michael at the club and very pleased with the progress he has made since he joined us.

"He's an outstanding athlete and is developing into a very good full back. For me, he has all the attributes and if he continues to learn and improve, he can go a long way in the game."

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