Rugby League: Harris Can Bomb Bulls; SILK CUT CHALLENGE CUP: RUGBY

Sunday Mirror, Apr 23, 2000 by JONATHAN DAVIES

RUGBY legend JONATHAN DAVIES is one of the few players to reach the pinnacle at both Union and League. Davies, now 37, was the brilliant Wales and British Lions fly half before turning professional for Widnes in 1989.

He won 13 Great Britain RL caps and played at Wembley for Widnes in their 1993 Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final defeat by Wigan. Davies is a BBC TV commentator on union and League since retiring as a player with Warrington six years ago.

Today he gives his exclusive rundown on next Saturday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup Final between holders Leeds Rhinos and boom club Bradford Bulls at Murrayfield.

IESTYN Harris holds the key to Leeds Rhinos' outside chances of keeping their hands on the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

Bradford Bulls are 4-1 ON to win Rugby League's most famous prize at Murrayfield next Saturday - and I'm not surprised. Some pundits reckon Leeds shouldn't even bother to turn up after their disastrous start to Super League.

It's a different story for soaraway Bradford, who field the biggest side I've ever seen.

So can Leeds stop the Bradford juggernauts?

On current form the answer's 'No chance', but the Murrayfield showpiece is a one-off - and Harris is set to play a crucial role.

The Leeds skipper turned down a pounds 1million four-year deal to join the Welsh RU last December - and union's loss is League's gain.

But Iestyn's knee injury is a big worry. He missed two matches before returning against Huddersfield-Sheffield on Friday but is clearly not fully fit.

So much depends on Iestyn's performance against the Bulls - he's their talisman and inspiration.

I played alongside Iestyn when he was launching his career at Warrington and my playing days were coming to an end. We were team- mates for Wales in the 1995 World Cup when we marched to the semi final - in my farewell international appearance against England at Old Trafford. It was obvious that Iestyn was a great talent even in those early days at Warrington.

But Bradford have their own superstars in skipper Robbie and Henry Paul. Everything revolves around the Paul brothers, who form a superb attacking platform alongside Brad Mackay and Jimmy Lowes.

Bradford's three-quarters are bigger than most sides' forwards and coach Matt Elliott rotates his forwards extremely well. Giant prop Paul Anderson has proved an inspiration this season and the Bulls go forward all the time.

Elliott's only problem is who to leave out, and there will be some very disappointed players from a talented squad.

IT'S a different story for Aussie newcomer Dean Lance at Leeds after Graham Murray steered them to a Wembley final success over London last year.

The Rhinos have been going through the horrors, not helped by suspensions to Adrian Morley and Barrie McDermott.

But Leeds shouldn't lose their aggression, which intimidated the opposition last year. They'll need that fire in their belly to stop the Bulls' charge.

The pressure is on Lance because confidence has been shattered at Headingley. Players are under-performing and Lance hasn't been able to find a settled team, chopping and changing on the wing, stand-off and at hooker.

Bradford are also very strong defensively and don't depend on the Pauls as much as Leeds rely on Harris.

The final has been switched from Wembley to Murrayfield and I can assure all Rugby League fans that they are in for a treat in Edinburgh.

Iestyn won't be 100 per cent fit, but Leeds need his presence. I reckon there'll be plenty of points scored - but, sadly for Leeds fans, the majority by Bradford

I expect Bradford to be celebrating their first Challenge Cup Final since 1949.

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL

BRADFORD BULLS

Round 4: Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants, Home, Won 32-4, Tries: Pryce (2), McAvoy, Withers, Naylor. Goals: H.Paul (6). Att:6,467. MAN OF THE MATCH: Leon Pryce (Bradford).

Round 5: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Away, Won 46-0, Tries:Withers (3), McAvoy (2), Anderson, Mackay, Naylor, Smith. Goals: H.Paul (5). Att:8,005.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Michael Withers (Bradford).

Quarter-Final: Halifax Blue Sox, Away, Won 28-18, Tries: R.Paul, Withers, Forshaw, Fielden. Goals: H.Paul (6). Att: 9,827.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Robbie Paul (Bradford).

Semi-Final: Warrington Wolves at Leeds, Won 44-20, Tries:Naylor, R.Paul, Spruce, Withers, Brooker, H.Paul. Goals: H.Paul (8). Att:11,894. MAN OF THE MATCH: Henry Paul (Bradford).

LEEDS RHINOS

Round 4: Featherstone Rovers, Away, Won 48-12, Tries:Sheridan (3), Sinfield (2), Powell, Barnhill, Harris. Goals:Harris (8). Att: 4,001.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Sheridan (Leeds).

Round Five:St Helens, Home, Won 26-20, Tries:Morley (2), Fleary, Sheridan. Goals: Harris (5). Att: 12,532.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Sheridan (Leeds).

Quarter-Final: Dewsbury Rams, Home, Won 42-10, Tries: Blackmore (2), Harris (2), Sheridan, Barnhill, Mathiou, Morley. Goals:Harris (4), Cummins. Att:10,533.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Barrie McDermott (Leeds).