Bradford wary of Thomas on return to Murrayfield

As an esteemed and record-breaking Wales international, Gareth Thomas stepped out at the Edinburgh venue on plenty of occasions during the Six Nations and with Cardiff Blues before switching to Super League at Crusaders earlier this year.

Now, after a difficult start in the 13-man game, Thomas has started to show promise for Brian Noble's side, the powerful winger scoring two tries in his last three fixtures.

Bulls coach Steve McNamara acknowledges the 35-year-old could be a danger to his in-form team who are hoping to stretch their six-game unbeaten run.

"Thomas is going good for them," said the new England chief. "He is learning and getting better all the time. He is a big strong boy who carries the ball a lot for Crusaders.

"He is making some big metres for them, which is what you would expect from an international rugby union player, both of his calibre and experience, and I am sure he'll be a threat this weekend."

After Bradford's fixture, Hull FC are next up against Harlequins (3pm) with Airlie Birds coach Richard Agar keen to see his side build on last week's win over Wakefield. Richard Whiting impressed in that game, scoring twice as he did against Leeds in the Challenge Cup, and the utility man has earned a new two-year contract at KC Stadium.

"There is nobody more deserving of a new deal than Rich," said Agar. "His form has been a revelation this season and he is a model of professionalism and consistency."

Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield face each other this evening (7pm) before tomorrow's action gets underway.

Huddersfield Giants' fixture with leaders Wigan is arguably the tie of the weekend.

Giants winger David Hodgson, who has scored hat-tricks in consecutive Super League games against Castleford and Crusaders, believes it will give an early indication of whether fourth-placed Huddersfield are genuine title contenders.

"It's going to be a big test for us," he said. "I'm sure we will find out where we stand.

"We are going pretty well at the minute but Wigan are top of the league and have been the most consistent side in the competition."

Meanwhile, Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown has re-affirmed his short-term commitment to the Giants but has not ruled out a return to Australia.

The former St George Illawarra boss, who was Super League coach of the year after guiding Huddersfield to Wembley and a third-place finish in his first season in England, has been linked with a move to Cronulla.

Brown, contracted to the Giants until the end of 2011, said: "I can't guarantee I'll be anywhere next year but I haven't spoken to anyone in the NRL.

"I won't be coaching anyone else in England next year, that's for sure.

"If something comes up in Australia then I'm obviously going to look at it because that's the country where I live and where all the family are."

Hull KR round off the weekend tomorrow when they take on St Helens (6pm).

For simply the best coverage of the Murrayfield Magic weekend, don't miss Dave Craven's reports and analysis from all seven games in a special action-packed publication free inside Sports Monday. Order your copy now.