Andy Lynch will lead the Bulls for the first time tomorrow night.

Steve McNamara installs the influential prop as his skipper following injuries to captain Paul Deacon and deputy Glenn Morrison.

It comes at a difficult time for the club as they strive to overcome some horrible recent results.

And Lynch will start in the toughest possible fashion by marching Bradford out against arch-rivals Leeds.

But the highly-regarded England prop is undaunted and relishing the chance to inspire the troops.

“I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen to captain the Bulls,” said Lynch.

“It’s disappointing that we have both Paul and Glenn out injured but we have a great squad with a wonderful spirit.

“I’m confident we’ll perform to the highest order over the next few games and we’re all ready to get out there again against Rhinos tomorrow.”

With Deacon set to miss tomorrow, Monday’s trip to Wakefield and next Friday’s visit of Warrington, McNamara had no hesitation in turning to Lynch for the busy Easter schedule.

“Andy is an outstanding leader for us with his actions both on and off the field,” he said. “He will do a tremendous job in the role as captain.”

Bradford have some bruised egos and bodies after their shameful Challenge Cup capitulation in France.

But if anything is going to pull them out of their slump, playing the champions and their biggest traditional foes could do the trick.

They are under-strength again and Leeds might easily end up extending their excellent recent record at Odsal but all supporters want to see is an 80-minute performance from the Bulls.

“After last week, any game is the right one for us,” McNamara said.

“There are no worse and sorer losers at this time than myself and the players and if we could have got back out on the field again on Monday then we would have.

“The fact that it’s a local derby against a side that are in pretty good form makes it even spicier for us and we are really relishing the challenge.”

Steve Menzies will switch to stand-off, while Michael Platt will be sweating over his place after his howler against Catalans.

The Bulls could have a lightweight bench, including two backs, but McNamara insists his squad have no excuses for further defensive disasters like shipping 40 second half points in Perpignan.

“There is no excuse for how we performed but we have done some very good things recently,” he said.

“To go to Catalans and win, then be so far in front at both Castleford and in France again, shows that we have been doing a lot right. The big message for the players is keep doing the good things and do them for longer.”