The phrase 'backs to the wall' could have been invented for tomorrow night's clash of Warrington Wolves and Bradford Bulls.

Little has gone right for the Wolves recently, culminating in the departure of their coach Darryl van de Velde and captain Allan Langer.

But, far flom gloating, Bulls prop Brian McDermott - sent off at Wilderspool last season - sees this weekend as an opportunity for Wolves to bare their teeth.

The 31-year-old prop says: "Sometimes teams flourish when they have major obstacles put in their way.

"The loss of their coach and Allan Langer will have broken up the mundane week-to-week training regime, and some different methods and ideas could spark them up.

"I think they will see tomorrow's game as an ideal opportunity to show they can play against the top sides, but we are top and we want to stay there."

Added the England international: "All the boys are expecting a scrappy game - not so far as the rugby goes, but in the other sense.

"Warrington always provide tough opposition, and I don't expect the victory we had at Valley Parade (56-24 on May 2) will have any reflection on this game."

McDermott remembered: "The game last year was a torrid affair, and I ended up being sent off. I made one slight misjudgement with my tackle and I was off the field quicker than you could shake a stick!

He continued: "I don't think that will happen again - I'll try and keep my tackles waist high!

"I think the Bulls have a reputation of being the best pack in the game, and other sides react to that. They are a big set of forwards themselves, although I think they have lost a little of their 'go forward' without Andrew Gee.

"But once they get on a roll, they play the ball very quickly and are difficult to stop."

As for his own form, McDermott said: "I am happy. I have only missed the one game this season, following my knee 'clean-out' and, although I enjoyed playing for England very much in midweek, I am looking forward to playing with the Bulls again this week. It is a pleasure to play in that side every week. There is so much quality, and it is something I would never take for granted."