Bradford Bulls left for Spain this afternoon as their build-up intensifies for "the most important game in their history" - the World Club Challenge match against Newcastle Knights.

The Bulls will spend a week at the La Manga base used by the Great Britain squad prior to the Ashes series against Australia two months ago.

Bulls coach Brian Noble, pictured, is intent on the best preparation ahead of the February 1 clash against the Newcastle Knights.

Noble said: "The game against the Knights is the most important in the history of the club.

"And it is vital that we are able to get some quality training in preparation for it.

"The facilities at La Manga are first-class and we are going there to work very hard.

"We will be able to focus the squad for the whole week without fear of training being disrupted by the weather."

Bulls' strength and conditioning trainer Martin Clawson said: "The week is vital for our mental and physical preparation, and we will work on everything out there."

The Bulls will return to Yorkshire next Saturday and play Castleford Tigers in a warm-up game at the Jungle the following Wednesday.