Until last week, only Robbie Paul, Joe Vagana and Lesley Vainikolo had been to the Millennium Stadium.

All three had represented New Zealand on the pitch against Wales and all three thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

But now one other Bull has seen the stadium, and he likes what he sees.

Mike Forshaw took the long train journey to Cardiff last week as part of the pre-match publicity and got a good first impression of the final venue.

"It was nice to have a quick look around," said the Great Britain loose forward, whose man-of-the-match display in the quarter-final against Widnes played a large part in getting the Bulls to Saturday's final.

"It was very impressive. I have not seen it with the roof on, like we are going to have for the game, but from what I see it will be fantastic.

"I was talking to Jonathan Davies and he says the atmosphere is electric with the roof on.

"I have spoken to a mate of mine who went to the Worthington Cup final down there and he says it was a great atmosphere. I am really looking forward to being involved in the game."

The 33-year-old has been involved in a few finals in his time but that doesn't mean there won't be some pre-match nerves.

"There is always a bit of apprehension," said Forshaw, who played 41 games for Leeds in 1995 and 1996.

"You just don't want to make any mistakes. This is going to be a big game. If anything they are slight favourites for it, if you look at the league.

"Looking at the form of the two sides, any other game would be a mis-match, these are the best two in the country at the moment. This is the perfect rugby league product.

"There will be a lot of power in the middle from both sides and a lot of pace out wide. It is going to be a tough, physical battle. But you would expect nothing less from a Challenge Cup Final."

And it will be particularly punishing for Forshaw, who has battled against an arm injury ever since the Halifax game back on March 23.

He has been in and out of the side ever since that game and certainly has been in pain when he has played, finishing the semi-final victory over old club Wigan on the bench with his arm wrapped in ice.

"I am having intensive treatment on it all this week," said Forshaw.

"To be honest I am probably going to need some time off after this game, it will be another hard one.

"The arm doesn't really hinder me, I have always been mentally tough when it comes to injury. I can live with it if I have to."

And Forshaw is desperate to, because he knows he doesn't have a lot of Challenge Cups left in him. He is expected to keep going beyond this season, but only for another 12 months.

"You never know where you are with the Challenge Cup," he added. "This may be my last chance to win it. Next year we might struggle like we did against Leeds last year (the Rhinos knocked them out in the fourth round). I want to make the most of my opportunity."

l Limited parking is available within Odsal Stadium from 5am for supporters travelling on Bradford Bulls official supporters coaches.

Parking at Richard Dunn Sports Centre is not available on the day.

Coaches will start to leave promptly at 5.30am from Rooley Avenue. Access to the coaches will be through Gate 4A on the Stadium Road Car Park. No Passengers will be allowed access to coaches directly from Rooley Avenue.

Tickets for official coach travel will be on sale until 5pm on Thursday.

l Fans wishing to give the Bulls the perect send-off should head down to Odsal tomorrow at 1.15pm when the coach will be leaving for Cardiff.