Joe Vagana is in danger of missing his first game of the season as the Bulls look to consolidate their three-point lead at the top of Super League this weekend.

The New Zealand international is still struggling with a calf strain which forced him to retire during last Friday's 64-12 drubbing of Halifax.

"Joe hasn't taken part in any of the running so far this week and we will be having another look at him in training today," explained Bulls coach Brian Noble.

Vagana has been making a big impact in recent weeks with his power and ability to offload the ball and his absence would be a blow for Sunday night's clash with Salford City Reds at Valley Parade (6.00pm).

But better news for Noble is that centres Shane Rigon and Graham Mackay are back in contention.

Rigon has struggled to overcome the ankle injury he sustained in the Challenge Cup final against St Helens a month ago while Mackay was rested against the Blue Sox after a busy schedule in League and Union.

Meanwhile three-quarter colleague Nathan McAvoy continued his comeback from a knee reconstruction with a 70-metre try for the Bulls' Alliance side at Salford last night.

McAvoy, who also scored a try at Halifax last week, showed his pace after good work by Craig McDowell in the Bulls 36-8 victory.

The Bulls lead only 12-4 at half-time and struggled to gain control for long spells but roared away from the opposition in the final 15 minutes.

The Bulls also had tries from Chris Birchall, Simon Lewis, Rob Parker, Alex Wilkinson and Paul Sykes who also landed six goals.

The Bulls Academy side take on Salford at Odsal tonight (7.30pm).

lSunday's pre-match entertainment will headed by an appearance form 70's chart-toppers Heatwave whose hits included "Boogie Wonderland".