Bradford Bulls’ John Kear relishing first taste of derby with Leeds Rhinos

Head coaches John Kear, left, and Richard Agar. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe

His Championship side hope to attract a bumper crowd of around 12,000 to Odsal when they host the struggling Super League club in tomorrow’s televised Coral Challenge Cup sixth round tie.

During the early part of the summer era, Bradford’s rivalry with Leeds was arguably the biggest of them all, often with attendances of over 20,000.

Admittedly, Bulls fell on hard times and are now rebuilding in the second-tier ahead of the first meeting of the clubs in five years.

But Kear, who won the Challenge Cup with Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC, said: “I can’t wait for this game to come around.

“There are some great derbies in rugby league and this is my first one when it comes to Bradford and Leeds.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in Hull/Hull KR and then Wakefield v Leeds, Wakefield Cas as well as Wigan and Saints.

“This is up amongst it and we’re looking forward to going out there and challenging Leeds. I think it’ll be a cracking game.”

Bradford welcome back former Kiwi centre Jake Webster and Huddersfield prop Colton Roche in place of Brandon Pickersgill and Evan Hodgson.

Rhinos interim head coach Richard Agar has recalled Ashton Golding and Callum McLelland along with Wellington Albert and star centre Konrad Hurrell, but there is no place for former Bradford back-row James Donaldson in the 19-man squad.