Bradford Bulls will come head-to-head with three players they tried to sign as they bid to move within one step of a Wembley return against Warrington at Odsal on Sunday.

Aussie back-rower Simon Gillies, newly-converted loose forward Jon Roper and speedy centre Alan Hunte, who have all been targets for Odsal coach Matthew Elliott over the last 12 months, have played leading roles in the Wolves' impressive start to the campaign.

And Elliott is only too well aware of the threat they pose to the Bulls' hopes of making up for their 1996 and 1997 Twin Towers disappointments.

Former Canterbury Bulldogs favourite Gillies has made an immediate impact following his close season move and has helped the Wolves chalk up a notable Super League and cup double over Halifax in the past fortnight.

"I was aware of Simon's availability, but we were trying to tie up a deal with Newcastle Knights' Wayne Richards at that stage. The timing just wasn't quite right for us.

"But he is a very good competitor and a player who we will need to keep an eye on."

Elliott also made moves for Hunte prior to the 1998 season before the Great Britain centre moved to Hull and also made a bid for the stockily-built Roper during last term.

"With all due respect to Sheffield, the Wolves represent another step up in quality for us. They are full of confidence and it is a major test of how far we have progressed."

Elliott expects to choose from a full strength squad with Paul Deacon (ankle), Steve McNamara (shoulder) and Brian McDermott (illness) all pushing for places.

"Brian had a virus last week and while he declared himself fit to play he was still a little weak," explained Elliott. "Last season we would probably have given him a game but with more depth in the squad this season there was no need to take the gamble."

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