Early-season Bradford Bulls star Paul Deacon is facing a race to be fit for Sunday's Super League opener with Sheffield Eagles at Odsal.

The 20-year-old half-back, who has made a place his own in first few weeks of the season, is still struggling with an ankle injury picked up during Sunday's Challenge Cup win over Wakefield Trinity.

Coach Matthew Elliott said: "Paul has been able to join in some of the training but it is a little bit touch and go at the moment.

"I will have another look at him today. The form he has been in we would obviously like to have him available if possible but we will not be taking unnecessary risks."

On a brighter note skipper Robbie Paul is set for a return after missing the cup tie following a minor knee operation a fortnight ago. One concern is that Paul has had three weeks on the sidelines since scoring a try in the fourth round cup rout of Workington and is obviously short of match fitness for what promises to be a full-blooded encounter.

Elliott has still to finalise his squad with the other main injury concern being prop Paul Anderson who has suffered some reaction after his impressive 60 minute run-out with the Alliance side last weekend.

"Paul has pulled up a little sore and he is another we will be checking on today," he said. " I have more or less settled on 15 players and I will select the final two after watching the Bulls Alliance side in action at Sheffield tonight."

Warren Jowitt, Jeremy Donougher, Nick Zisti and Lee Radford are among those on duty at the Don Valley.

Eagles boss John Kear is also using tonight's game to give a run-out to three players who he hopes will come into contention for Sunday.

Prop Steve Molloy, speedy second-rower Michael Jackson and strong-running back Matt Crowther are all hoping to prove their fitness. "All three are fit to return but whether they can quickly regain match fitness is what we have to find out," said Kear.

Molloy seems to be favourite for a return as the Eagles are short of cover in the front-row following the loss of skipper Paul Broadbent to Halifax.

The Bulls disappointing 1998 campaign has been highlighted with none of their players winning selection for the annual Rothmans Coaches Select XIII. All 12 Super League coaches selected their best team based on form in 1998, but not including players from their own club.

Select Team: Radlinski; Robinson, Connolly (all Wigan), Godden, Cummins; Harris (all Leeds), Clinch (Halifax), Laughton (Sheffield), Cunningham (St Helens), Cowie (Wigan), Morley (Leeds), Sculthorpe (St Helens), Farrell (Wigan).

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