Shontayne Hape today warned Leeds' revenge-seekers: We are ready for you.
The young Kiwi is predicting an all-out battle as Leeds come to Odsal tomorrow to avenge their Challenge Cup final defeat - but he claims the Bulls will be ready to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in.
And the Bulls new boy is expecting some special treatment after Leeds back row Matt Adamson came out in the press after the Cardiff clash to claim that Bradford players had deliberately tried to injure him.
The Aussie played in the 22-20 defeat just days after surgery to a fractured cheekbone and was dripping with blood from the wound mid-way through the first half.
It is understood Adamson believes Hape was the man who did the damage and the Bulls centre is anticipating a hot reception if he comes up against the Rhinos hard-man.
"They are going to be out for revenge but we will be ready for them," said the normally mild-mannered Kiwi.
"I think we can expect it to be a bit niggly at the beginning and there are going to be a lot of big hits early on.
"But hopefully we won't see too many cheap shots from either team and things can settle down.
"I think it is going to be a really physical game but that will suit us.
"They are blaming the referee for losing in the cup and we will want to show that we are the best team.
"They have only just won their recent games while we are hitting top gear every week at the moment."
Warrington official Karl Kirkpatrick has now been confirmed as the man to take charge of this potentially explosive derby encounter.
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