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Bulls skipper Deacon faces fitness battle to make play-offs

Last updated at 12:38pm on 18.09.07

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Fitness battle: Deacon

Bradford are sweating on the fitness of captain Paul Deacon for Friday's Super League elimination play-off against Wigan at the Grattan Stadium, Odsal.

The goal-kicking scrum-half has played only one match in the last six weeks because of a hamstring injury and will be given until Thursday to prove his fitness.

"He's been doing a lot of running with the medical staff but we won't know for definite until Thursday," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara.

"It's looking good but, if he's not right, he won't play. Hopefully there will be another game after this one and I don't want to jeopardise what could be a run to the Grand Final for us.

"If he's fit, he'll play. If he's 95% fit then we'll have to make a choice."

Bradford also have doubts over centre James Evans (ankle) and full-back Michael Platt (stomach), who were hurt in the Bulls' 20-10 defeat at Hull last Friday.

But New Zealand Test centre Shontayne Hape came through his comeback match with flying colours to give Bradford's Grand Final hopes a timely boost.

Hape had been out for six months after a third knee reconstruction but was outstanding on his return, according to McNamara.

"He was fantastic," he said. "His performance was excellent - it was like he'd never been away.

"He carried the ball 19 times, which for a centre is a lot. He's trained again all week and had no reaction, so it's all good for him."

McNamara, the Great Britain assistant coach, is now tipping his star centre to make the New Zealand squad for the end-of-season Test series.

"The fact that he's missed the last six months means he'll probably be keen to play some football," he said.

"Hopefully, we can get three or four more games under his belt at Bradford. He was in great form on Friday night and, if he continues in that form, I'm sure he's going to be recognised with a place in the New Zealand squad."

Hape said: "I've spoken to the coach in New Zealand but I've got to do my best for Bradford first."