Purtell cleared to return for Bradford

The Australian centre visited a specialist yesterday to receive the welcome news and comes straight into contention for the weekend.

“I’m absolutely delighted and I can’t wait to pull on a Bulls shirt again,” he said. “I’d like to thank all the medical staff, both at the club and at the various hospitals that I have attended, for their care and also the club for their support throughout the past 10 months.”

Bobbie Goulding, 19, could make his Super League debut for Wakefield at St Helens tomorrow after an injury crisis with Tim Smith, Justin Poore and Ali Lauitiiti joining Andy Raleigh and captain Danny Kirmond in the treatment room.

Huddersfield Giants have promoted hooker Kruise Leeming, 17, to their Super League squad on a three-year full-time contract while Warrington’s Gareth O’Brien has returned from his loan spell at Castleford Tigers and is expected to play at Salford City Reds tomorrow.

Champions Sheffield Eagles bid to end Featherstone Rover’s 100 per cent record tonight as they meet in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final at Don Valley Stadium.

Oxford face a tough Tetley’s Challenge Cup baptism against Halifax.

Cup draw: Featherstone Rovers v Thatto Heath, Blackbrook v York City Knights, West Hull v Crusaders, Dewsbury v Myton, Sheffield Eagles v Leigh East, South Wales v Doncaster, Workington v Carcassonne, Halifax v Oxford, Batley Bulldogs v Gateshead Thunder, Skirlaugh v University of Gloucestershire All Golds, Ince Road Bridge v Hemel Stags, Swinton v Toulouse, Siddal v Keighley, Rochdale v Hunslet Old Boys, Leigh Centurions v East Leeds, Whitehaven v London Skolars, Hunslet Hawks v Oldham, Barrow v Leigh Miners. Ties to be played April 6-7.