BRADFORD Bulls have dismissed as "absolute nonsense" claims that they discussed the possibility of allowing Sam Burgess to join Leeds as part of the settlement which brought to an end the Iestyn Harris transfer saga.
The Bulls this week agreed to pay Leeds a six-figure sum in costs and compensation for Harris, who joined them in 2004 from Cardiff RU despite a clause in his contract giving Leeds first call on his services.
The settlement ended four years of wra
ngling between Bradford and Leeds, who have variously been rumoured to have demanded Lesley Vainikolo, Stuart Fielden and Shontayne Hape in exchange for Harris prior to the latest suggestion that they wanted Great Britain forward Burgess.
"The 'story' is absolutely without foundation," said Bradford chairman Peter Hood, a line echoed by Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington yesterday.
The Bulls have more pressing concerns with tomorrow's Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round tie against beaten finalists Catalans Dragons, who arrive at Grattan Stadium unbeaten in their last nine matches.
"They are certainly not unbeatable but what they have shown is a great tenacity and toughness," said Bradford coach Steve McNamara. "They have some young exciting French players and some hard-nosed Aussies but, hopefully, we can get over them this weekend."
McNamara has delayed the comeback of prop Joe Vagana and Ben Jeffries and is expected to select the same squad beaten 40-26 by Leeds last Saturday.
Leeds welcome back Gareth Ellis for a tough trip to Harlequins who are still smarting from the nature of their defeat by Catalans in Cardiff.
Quins coach Brian McDermott was left perplexed after his team surrendered a 16-6 lead to lose 18-16 and opposite number Brian McClennan is urging his players to be wary.
"They are going through bit of adversity themselves and I am sure they will take a lot of motivation from the last couple of weeks," said McClennan. "They are on home ground so we know they are going to be formidable opponents."
Ellis comes in for the Cup-tied Eric Anselme while Kiwi full-back Brent Webb is also missing after his involvement in yesterday's Test defeat by Australia.
Wakefield Trinity are boosted by the return of Brad Drew, Danny Sculthorpe and Aaron Murphy for the trip to Barrow but are missing stand-off Jamie Rooney, who is nursing a sore hamstring.
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