Magic start for new coaches as Bulls tackle Rhinos in Cardiff

Following two years in Edinburgh, the RFL has opted to revert to its original Cardiff venue and has taken on board supporters' views that contests involving local rivalries are the biggest attraction.

Having brought the fixtures forward from May to February 12-13 to make more impact, they have subsequently ditched the draw system and, instead, chosen predominantly derby contests to create a powerful start to the 2011 campaign.

That means Hull FC and Hull KR will face-off, as the Airlie Birds gain an immediate chance to avenge last month's play-off exit, along with Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats while champions Wigan Warriors tackle St Helens in a repeat of this season's Grand Final.

However, Bradford and Leeds is perhaps the most intriguing contest as new Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott starts his reign with the deposed champions against the club at which he earned legendary status.

Lynch, one of the long-term replacements for McDermott after the Bulls prop retired in 2002, said: "Not only is it Brian Mac's first game but it is Mick Potter's first in charge for us.

"Our new assistant Francis Cummins has just moved from Leeds to Bradford as well, while Matt Diskin has done likewise so there's going to be a lot of mixed emotions for plenty of people.

"There's a lot of excitement about it all, though. I'm a fan of the derby format and also prefer Cardiff to Edinburgh.

"In my eyes, there's no better way to get the season up and running than this."

Lynch, a try-scorer in one of Super League's most controversial games when Leeds infamously inflicted a last-second defeat on the Bulls in Cardiff three years ago, added: "Playing under the roof at the Millennium also means there will be no chance of us starting in snow like last year and it should be a great spectacle."

Huddersfield Giants, who came within 80 minutes of their first Grand Final appearance this season, open up against Challenge Cup holders Warrington, the side they knocked out of the play-offs.

That sees Australian full-back Brett Hodgson make his debut for Wolves against the side he has captained imperiously for the last two years.

"This opening round of fixtures represents an outstanding way of kicking off the 2011 season in style," said RFL chief executive Nigel Wood. That statement is, for once, not excessive spin from the governing body; the prospect is indeed enticing and certainly just the shot in the arm the tired venture required.

Millennium Magic fixtures

Saturday, February 12: Huddersfield v Warrington (1pm), Catalans v Harlequins (3pm), Castleford v Wakefield Trinity (5pm), Wigan v St Helens (7pm).

Sunday, February 13: Salford v Crusaders (noon), Leeds v Bradford (2pm), Hull FC v

Hull KR (4pm).