Bradford Bulls' assistant coach Karl Harrison reckons Newcastle Knights are playing mind games to put the Bulls off the scent before Friday's World Club Challenge match.

Knights coach Michael Hagan said in Leeds at the weekend that his side were under-prepared for the McAlpine Stadium clash - they haven't played a match for four months whereas the Bulls had a friendly only last Wednesday - and that the weather would also help the Tetley's Super League champions.

But Harrison, who played with Hagan for two seasons at Halifax (1993-95), isn't being fooled.

"Newcastle are a very, very good team," said the former Great Britain international. "And they'll be ready.

"I am a very good friend of Michael's - we keep in touch - and the Knights won't want to go back home as losers believe you me.

"All he is trying to do is take the pressure off them and put it onto us.

"Yes, the Knights are missing a few players, such as Ben Kennedy and Adam MacDougall, but such is the strength of the NRL that they will have some great youngsters coming over."

Added Harrison: "We are quite confident and had a good week's training last week on our return from Lanzarote.

"We played well against Castleford Tigers last week in Gary Mercer's testimonial match and won 30-12 without getting out of second gear really.

"We have no injury problems as such. The main problem seems to be picking the team.

"Darrel Shelford, head coach Brian Noble and myself have all picked our sides for the match, and they are all different! So it's down to the head coach."

Since the end of last season, the Bulls have lost Henry Paul, Graham Mackay and Shane Rigon, but they have gained Lesley Vainikolo and Brandon Costin, plus the promising youngsters have gained in experience.

"Obviously, Henry is a world-class player," said Harrison, and we miss him, but we probably have more options at stand-off this season.

"And it could be that the opposition won't know who we are going to play there from week to week, which is an exciting prospect."

There are about 500 tickets left for tonight's Bulls squad presentation evening at Pennington's Leisure on Manningham Lane (8.00).

Tickets can be bought at the door, priced at £3.50 for Fan Club members or £4 for non-members.