Revitalised Bradford Bulls happy to slip under the radar

Given they have lost just once in their previous nine games, the club should be being discussed in the same breath as Super League leaders Wigan but even lesser rivals closer to home seem to be claiming more attention.

Bradford's hard-fought victory over Wakefield saw them break into the top four for the first time in two years and the signs are coach Steve McNamara has moulded a side that can finally challenge after four barren seasons.

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But the likes of Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos – whom they face at Odsal on Sunday – are all below them yet are still being talked up as the region's most potent threats.

McNamara admitted: "Without a doubt, we are going under the radar in relation to other sides with their spectacular players.

"Everyone knows some of the clout those clubs have got with the strength and depth in their squad compared to us.

"But it's pleasing. We've a couple of young boys (James Donaldson and Elliott Whitehead) playing very well and some others like Michael Platt, Rikki Sheriffe and Dave Halley who are all going very well, too, without being internationals as such.

"The versatility of our players is vital. We haven't got the biggest of squads but in putting it together we knew some of our players, rather than be replaced, would have to roll positions and they have done that well."

Remarkably, Bradford, who also have a Challenge Cup quarter-final tie with Warrington on the horizon, have used only 20 players as they quietly ease up the rankings and should see Matt Orford and Jamie Langley return for Sunday's derby.

Leeds, whose cup encounter with Wigan has been halved to an all-ticket 10,000 capacity due to a fixture clash with Yorkshire cricket at Headingley Carnegie on Saturday, May 29, could be without Brent Webb.

The Kiwi full-back faces tonight's RFL disciplinary for a reckless high tackle on Mickey Higham during Friday's win over Warrington.

Hull prop Ewan Dowes also appears along with Catalans' David Ferriol after the pair were involved in a brawl on Saturday.

Bradford's televised Super League game against Warrington has been brought forward to Saturday, June 19 (6.15pm).

Featherstone will go top of the Championship if they win at leaders Leigh this evening.