London Broncos v Bradford Bulls: They've probably spent more than us, says Kurt Haggerty ahead of 'best fixture'

The Bulls secured their return to the top level at the end of last year, taking their place in a 14-team competition that had appeared set to feature London Broncos amid an eye-catching push by the capital club.

London – with influential figures such as Darren Lockyer, Gary Hetherington and Jason Demetriou in their corner – built a squad fit for Super League, only to miss out in the final reckoning.

The Broncos must instead continue to build in the Championship, leading some to question whether there has ever been a better second-tier side.

That theory will be put to the test on Sunday when London lock horns with the Bulls, a team still getting to grips with a full-time switch themselves but a Super League club nevertheless.

The rivals shared the same stage in the Championship last season and have been paired together in the most evenly matched tie of round three.

Bulls boss Kurt Haggerty wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's the best fixture," he insisted. "It's the one I wanted.

"It's the perfect prep for us going into round one of Super League. We view them as a Super League team so we're treating it as another Super League game.

"I understand why people see this as a banana skin or even a potential upset. They've spent a lot of money and have got a fantastic squad with some brilliant players who have played at the highest level.

"I totally understand the narrative that's out there. They've probably spent more money than us and it's a challenge we're looking forward to."

Haggerty has overseen an overhaul of the squad at Odsal since his appointment in September, welcoming as many as 16 new signings.

That turnover, coupled with a disrupted pre-season, means places are still up for grabs at the start of the new season.

"If you asked me right now, I still don't know my best 13 because we've had that many injuries," said Haggerty.

"We limped into the Leeds friendly but are relatively healthy now. We're near enough full strength, barring one or two.

"It's going to be a good indicator of what we look like going into round one.

"We have been playing catch-up but the commitment to be a Super League team has been first class from the players."

While Bradford are building towards a league opener at Hull FC, London have already hit the ground running in the Championship.

The Broncos swatted aside Widnes Vikings and Oldham on home soil, either side of an 86-0 demolition of Wests Warriors in the previous round of the Challenge Cup.

Lockyer, who took over the club in the off-season alongside fellow Australian Grant Wechsel, views the visit of Bradford as a chance to prove they belong in Super League.

"It goes without saying that this is a big game for us," said Lockyer.

"Bradford were one of the other clubs we were vying with for a spot in the Super League. They were successful and we understand the process in place to get them there. We were 16th in the gradings and they were in the top 14 so earned their spot.

"I'm sure they'll come to London and want to prove a point. Equally, for us, it's an opportunity to show that although we didn't make it into the Super League, this is what we're capable of.

"Let's see how that unfolds. May the best team win."