Bradford Bulls have set their sights on a 15,000 crowd for Sunday's Super League opener with Sheffield Eagles.

The Challenge Cup holders are not noted for their large travelling support but Bulls chairman Chris Caisley still believes it is a realistic target.

"Given a reasonable afternoon it would be nice to think we could get to that sort of figure," he said.

"We have a very exciting side and their has been enormous interest already. Sheffield are also noted for their attractive running rugby and it is by far our biggest test so far.

"We will have our full pre-match entertainment package back and we would like to think that if we are as successful as we hope regular crowds of 17,000 are certainly not beyond us."

The Bulls averaged over 15,000 in their 1997 Super League title winning season but disappointing results last term saw that slip to 13,000 although that still put them top of the attendance charts.

Coach Matthew Elliott is insisting his players put the cup tie with Warrington out of their minds. "I am not even thinking about that," he said. "Sheffield are dangerous opponents and I have a very high regard for the work of their coach John Kear .

"John has shown he has the ability to lift his players and get the tactics right on the big occasion".

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