Skipper’s foot race

Briers was struggling with a cut foot at the start of the week but a final decision is likely to be taken on his fitness today.

Wolves' assistant coach Mike Forshaw expects him to figure at Odsal, in a match that kicks off at 8pm, and he will be badly needed with the only possible replacement half back, Michael Sullivan, required at hooker.

Rauhihi has joined Briers in Wolves' 18-man squad but Forshaw has suggested that the powerful prop may have to wait until next week's trip to Salford before making his return after three months out with a back problem.

Rauhihi is very close to full fitness and had been tipped for a comeback at Odsal but the outcome of a meeting with a specialist this week will determine whether he receives clearance to make his return.

And even if he gets the go-ahead, Forshaw thinks he may not be risked tomorrow.

"I don't know whether this game will be too soon for him," said Forshaw.

"Paul's training very well at the moment but the bigger picture is that further down the track we've got some big games coming up and whether we throw him in this week, I'm not too sure.

"I rate his chances this week as very slim but they will probably be a lot more positive next week.

"We've been without him for a long time this year so we've just got to get on with it.

"But I'd be very disappointed if Lee Briers didn't play this week. I think he will be playing."

Rob Parker (knee) has failed a fitness test and Steve Pickersgill (calf) has also not been named in the squad.

Ben Harrison, who is back after a cartilage operation, comes into the 18-man travelling party and will make his Super League debut if selected.

Wolves' 18-man squad: Stuart Reardon, Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe-Love, Brent Grose, Chris Bridge, Lee Briers, Chris Leikvoll, Michael Sullivan, Paul Wood, Logan Swann, Mike Wainwright, Ben Westwood, Mark Gleeson, Andy Bracek, Richie Barnett, Paul Rauhihi, Ben Harrison.

Bulls v Wolves.

Last meeting: Wolves 27 Bulls 4, April 23, 2006. Martin Gleeson touched down twice and further tries came from Ben Westwood, Paul Wood, and Lee Briers, who added three goals and a drop goal.

Away record versus Bulls in Super League: Played 11, won 2, drawn 0, lost 9, points scored 184, points conceded 448.

Coach: Steve McNamara.

Form guide - Bulls' last five games: Wakefield (A) won 42-20, Catalans (H) won 30-16, Leeds (A) lost 26-24, Salford (A) lost 17-16, Huddersfield (H) won 42-16.

Team for last match: Marcus St Hilaire; Lesley Vainikolo, Shontayne Hape, Karl Pryce, Marcus Bai; Iestyn Harris, Paul Deacon; Joe Vagana, Terry Newton, Andy Lynch, Brett Ferres, Chris McKenna, Jamie Langley. Subs: Matt Cook, Ian Henderson, Sam Burgess, Brad Meyers.

Team news: Ben Harris should return after a hamstring injury and Paul Johnson, Michael Withers and Stanley Gene are also back in contention.

Links with Bulls: Rob Parker, Stuart Reardon, Chris Bridge, Logan Swann and Toa Kohe-Love used to play for Bradford, while Iestyn Harris started his career with Warrington.

Danger man: Karl Pryce has scored six tries in his last four games.

Referee: Steve Ganson.

Results and fixtures.

Powergen Challenge Cup semi final results: Leeds 12 Huddersfield 30, Hull KR 0 St Helens 50.

Super League Round 23 fixtures for tomorrow, Friday: Bradford v Warrington (8pm), Hull FC v Leeds (Sky 8pm), Salford v Harlequins, St Helens v Huddersfield, Wigan v Catalans. Saturday: Castleford v Wakefield (Sky 7.30pm).

The run-in.

BRADFORD.

August.

4 Warrington H.

12 Harlequins A.

18 Castleford H.

September.

1 Wigan A.

8 Wakefield H.

17 Huddersfield A.

WARRINGTON.

August.

4 Bradford A.

11 Salford A.

20 Harlequins H.

September.

1 Leeds A.

10 Hull H.

17 St Helens H.

SALFORD.

August.

4 Harlequins H.

11 Warrington H.

20 Hull A.

September.

3 Huddersfield A.

8 Leeds H.

16 Harlequins A.

HUDDERSFIELD.

August.

4 St Helens A.

11 Hull H.

18 Wigan A.

September.

3 Salford H.

9 Catalans A.

17 Bradford H.