Bulls call on new signings as McKenna is ruled out

Chris McKenna, a Carnegie World Club Challenge winner with Leeds last year, is out of Bradford's side to play Wests Tigers for the same trophy tonight. The Australian second-rower has a hamstring injury, but Paul Deacon and Lesley Vainikolo have both been included in a 19-man squad.

Although his hamstring remains a concern, Deacon is expected to play for the first time since his horrific facial injuries at the same venue in the Tri-Nations against New Zealand. Three of the Bulls' other close-season signings - Marcus Bai, Marcus St Hilaire and Stanley Gene - will make their competitive debuts.

As expected, the Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has named Daniel Fitzhenry at stand-off in place of the injured Benji Marshall. Although six players are missing from the 17 who won the Australian Grand Final, Sheens says that his side will still play the high-speed attacking rugby that made them shock champions last year.One of the most intriguing match-ups will be in the centres, where Bradford's Shontayne Hape will face Paul Whatuira.

Two Super League clubs have named new signings as their team captains, with Monty Betham replacing Jason Demetriou at Wakefield and Castleford appointing Danny Nutley.