Eagar keen to fight way into Hull plans

Two Super League clubs expect this weekend to be able to call upon key players for the first time this season. Hull's unlucky centre, Michael Eagar, has declared himself ready to return after an injury-ravaged 2004, which saw him break his arm twice and play just six games.

"The last year has been a shocker, but it's fair to say that I've made a full recovery," said Eagar, who has had the plate removed that caused him problems the last time he attempted a comeback. Eagar is likely to be named today in Hull's 20-man squad for the visit of Warrington on Sunday, but there is no guarantee that he will be able to displace either of the current centres, Kirk Yeaman and Tom Saxton. "The players who occupied the positions at the weekend threw down a challenge," said the Hull coach, John Kear.

Bradford are likely to be slightly more eager to re-introduce their regular full-back, Michael Withers, who has not played since suffering a leg injury during the defeat by Leeds in last season's Grand Final.

The Bulls have lost both their games so far this season, but the return of Withers would give their coach, Brian Noble, options. He is likely to be drafted in against Wigan tomorrow night, along with Lesley Vainikolo, who missed the defeat by Widnes with a twisted ankle.

Wigan are likely to include the newly-signed French forward, Jerome Guisset, with Bob Beswick in line to replace the injured Harrison Hansen.

Leigh have restored the second-rower, Oliver Wilkes, to their squad to face Salford on Saturday, after he missed Sunday's game at Warrington with a one-match suspension.

Wayne Bennett has been reappointed to coach Australia in the Tri-Nations this year.