Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is hoping skipper Graeme Bradley and second-rower Sonny Nickle will be available to face Sheffield Eagles at Don Valley Stadium on Friday.

Bradley sustained a broken nose in the opening minutes against the Rhinos and, al-though he returned after half-time, the Odsal medical team were unable to stem the flow of blood.

Such an injury would not routinely mean a spell on the sidelines though and Bradley will be keen, if at all possible, to lead his side back to winning ways after Sunday's setback.

The commonly held belief is that the dismissal of Nickle by referee Stuart Cummings, following a clash with Rhinos' Kiwi centre Richie Blackmore was somewhat harsh, and the former Eagle looks set to make a personal appearance before Thursday's sitting of the League's disciplinary committee.

A not guilty verdict or one of sending off sufficient would leave him free to take on his ex-club, who will be looking to break their Super League duck after defeats by Hull and Castle-ford.

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