WARRINGTON Wolves and Bradford Bulls are expecting to be at full strength for Sunday's mouthwatering Silk Cut Challenge Cup quarter-finals tie at Odsal Stadium.

X-rays have revealed Wolves full back Lee Penny did not break his thumb, as was first feared, in the opening Super League win at Halifax on Sunday and it seems certain he will be in the starting line-up when the whistle blows at 2.30pm.

The only player out of contention is Chris Rudd, who had operations on both of his Achilles' at a London hospital on Tuesday after consultations with a specialist.

Bradford have revealed that playmaker loose forward Steve McNamara, Great Britain prop Brian McDermott and Emerging England scrum half Paul Deacon have recovered from knocks to leave the Bulls at full strength too.

The Bulls, who won 26-8 at Wakefield in the previous round, are billing the game as their 'biggest for years' as they never had any home ties on the way to their Wembley finals in 1996 and 1997. A crowd of 14,000-plus is expected despite the game being shown live on BBC2 Sunday Grandstand.

Peter Deakin's former club have been a giant in Super League since 1996, won the title in 1997 and reached the play-offs last time around. They have strengthened their squad for 1999 with Henry Paul from Wigan, Scott Naylor from Salford and Australians Michael Withers from Balmain Tigers, Nick Zisti from Cronulla Sharks and David Boyle from Canberra Raiders.

In contrast, Warrington have stepped out of the wilderness and stunned St. Helens in a friendly and Halifax Blue Sox in cup and league competition and after impressive performances they will be travelling over the Pennines with confidence high.

To add spice, there is the history factor of Warrington winning at Bradford in the 1990 quarter-finals en route to their last appearance at Wembley.

It all adds up to an intriguing tie.

Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde says: "What has impressed me so far is that we have been able to grind out wins and our defence has been really solid, although there is still room for improvement there.

"And there is so much more character in the team and the players have much more confidence.

"Having the full squad available again this week means we have some continuity which is good as the players are still gelling with each other.

"And the win at Halifax in conditions that were a lottery will be a help to us again because there has been much more rain in Yorkshire than here. We have talked about it in training this week that the conditions could be similar to what we experienced at Halifax.

"We have looked at our ball control and discipline from the Halifax game too. I was disappointed that we conceded so many penalties there."

With there being a huge turnout of Bradford fans in their intimidating bowl the Wolves are hoping fans will travel in their droves to get behind the team and make some noise.

Van de Velde says: "It was great to see so many at Halifax and now the players need to be able to hear the supporters cheering them on again."

Expected Wolves team: Lee Penny; Jason Roach, Toa Kohe-Love, Alan Hunte, Mark Forster; Scott Wilson, Lee Briers; Mark Hilton, Danny Farrar, Danny Nutley, Simon Gillies, Steve McCurrie, Jon Roper. Subs: Dean Hanger, Gary Chambers, Mike Wainwright, Ian Knott.

Expected Bradford team: Stuart Spruce; Tevita Vaikona, Scott Naylor, Danny Peacock, Nathan McEvoy; Henry Paul, Robbie Paul; Neil Harmon, James Lowes, Brian McDermott, Jeremy Donougher/Bernard Dwyer, David Boyle/Mike Forshaw, Steve McNamara.

The draw for the semi-finals will be on BBC2 at 5.10pm on Sunday.

Wolves fans can still purchase season tickets. A big saving for the season can be made on first team games alone but you will also be able to watch Warrington's under 21s in action too. Why not buy your ticket at a special club night arranged for Tuesday - see page 55.

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