The result is secondary to the performance for the Bulls in tonight's pre-season rugby league friendly.

Coach Brian Noble will be giving 20 different players a run-out in tonight's game at Castleford, the season's curtain-raiser.

"It was a very successful time out in La Manga but it was a tough, intensive week," said Noble.

"I want to try a few different combinations, have a look at a few players and hopefully answer some remaining questions I have over certain positions.

"It is the first hit-out of the season and it is the performances I care about more than the result - although I'm sure the players won't see it like that."

Noble also confirmed Kiwi Lesley Vainikolo, the Volcano, will be playing in tonight's game.

He warned that "there might be a little rustiness and we could be a little disjointed" as Bradford play their first game, but he would be looking for balance in the team ahead of the crunch game against Newcastle Knights in the World Club Championship a week on Friday.

Back-row Mike Forshaw, who represented Great Britain in the Ashes last year, cannot wait for the match.

"It was a fantastic week of training out in Spain," he said.

"But this game can't come soon enough. The lads are itching to get on the pitch and have a hit-out.

"Obviously this is a friendly and the big game is against Newcastle, but I don't think we will be treating it as a friendly - poor performances are not good enough in this squad."

Forshaw said although he was shattered after the Ashes, he was "feeling as fit as ever" and looking forward to the season.

He said: "We are hoping for a repeat of last year's success and we can't wait to get going. We have this game and then the big one next week and, of course, we will be more than ready for whoever we get in the Challenge Cup."

The Bulls take on Castleford Tigers at the Jungle tonight at 7.45pm.