Fears that highly-rated Bradford Bulls scrum-half Paul Deacon would miss the start of the Super League campaign eased today.

And there was a further boost for coach Matthew Elliott ahead of Sunday's opener with Challenge Cup holders Sheffield Eagles at Odsal with another four players skipper Robbie Paul, Nick Zisti, Stuart Spruce and Paul Anderson all fit to press for inclusion.

The quartet all missed last weekend's cup victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats at Belle Vue.

Deacon has undoubtedly been the star of the show so far though and his departure with ankle trouble at half-time resulted in a lack of direction in Sunday's Challenge Cup win over Wakefield Trinity.

The 20-year-old Emerging England call-up limped off after being tackled as he attempted to hack on his own chip ahead but Elliott said today:

"It is very painful but our medical people tell us the damage is not serious and that he will have fully recovered by the weekend.

"He will be resting up this weekend but fortunately it is nothing like as bad as we first feared."

Robbie Paul (knee), Zisti (calf) and Spruce (hamstring) are also in the frame after late decisions to hold them back rather than take any risks.

"All three players were very disappointed not to be involved but I saw no point in putting them in just for the sake of it."

Elliott was also greatly encouraged by the progress made over the weekend by Anderson, Danny Peacock and Mike Forshaw."

Peacock came through his first game for nine months with no ill effects while Forshaw put in a useful effort as a substitute.

Meanwhile Anderson was in storming form in the Alliance League at the weekend helping the under-21s to a 42-18 win over London Broncos.

"Danny and Mike both did incredibly well Paul was verging on the brutal in the Alliance game.

"He was great going forward and put in some devastating tackles.

"I pulled him off after an hour in concern for the opposition as much as anything else."

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