A total of 132 points for and only 30 against in their previous two encounters this season are hardly the kind of statistics to make Bradford Bulls wary of their trip to the New Shay tomorrow night.

But Giant Bulls prop Paul Anderson is expecting a much tougher than in either their 68-18 victory there in the fifth round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup last February or the 64-12 home victory in the league at Valley Parade in May.

"The previous results will count for nothing," said the 29-year-old England international, "and derby matches against Halifax are always tough encounters.

"They were in some turmoil behind the scenes when we played them in the Challenge Cup, but I am sure that Steve Linnane has got them turned round now.

"Bradford Bulls at home is their biggest game of the season, and they will be well up for it."

Added Anderson: "The Halifax side are typical of their sides over the years. They have a very big, strong pack with players like Andy Hobson and Jim Gannon, and a good pair of half backs.

"They will pose a big threat to us, but I can't wait. It is against my former club, and that always makes it very special.

"Games are coming thick and fast at the moment and they all seem to be derbies. We have had 'Cas', Leeds and now Halifax in successive games."

It could well be that Bulls will have to show the same kind of resilience and opportunism as against Leeds Rhinos last Sunday at Valley Parade.

Bulls led 22-10 two minutes into the second half, but eight minutes later Leeds were level at 22-22, but the hosts then showed their class by scoring a further 22 points in the final 24 minutes.

It was certainly a performance that impressed watching Bulls prop Brian McDermott, back in the squad this week after recovering from a knee operation.

He said: "Leeds are not having the best of seasons, they are not having the worst of seasons, but with the squad they have got they should be further up the table than they are.

"They came to Valley Parade to cause an upset and played really well to get back to 22-22 and for us to pull away was really good. Maybe there were a couple of Leeds errors which gifted us tries, but you take them don't you?"