Bulls coach Brian Noble is predicting another rousing derby battle with Leeds on Sunday despite the Rhinos' poor recent form.

After a promising start under new coach Daryl Powell the Headingley outfit have won just two of their last six games.

But Noble, a veteran of the biggest derby in rugby league as a player and now on the coaching staff, insists the Rhinos will be back at their best at Valley Parade this weekend.

"They have too many good players and it means too much to them not to be ready for this one," said Noble. "We have a lot of respect for them and that will show in our preparation. It's going to be another bash-athon."

Noble expects to have Aussie duo Daniel Gartner and Graham Mackay fit for the second meeting of the two arch rivals this season following the 33-14 win at Headingley in May.

Gartner (neck) and former Rhino, Mackay, will undergo further checks at training tomorrow but Noble is confident they will be ready in time.

Rhinos' robust prop Barrie McDermott has been cleared to play on Sunday.

Rugby Football League officials studied video evidence of McDermott's skirmish with David Fairleigh in Friday's game at Knowsley Road after St Helens boss Ian Millward complained about the Rhinos player's conduct.

But McDermott has been told that he has no case to answer and will not face any disciplinary action.

The Rhinos also hope to have skipper Iestyn Harris back after he missed the 46-24 defeat at St Helens last week through injury.

Meanwhile Halifax Blue Sox have followed the recommendation of the Calderdale Council Safety team to make the the clash with the Bulls at The Shay on Sunday, July 29 (6pm) all ticket.

While development of the stadium continues, a reduced capacity of 6,000 has been enforced by the licensing arm of the local authority to cover the three areas of the ground currently available for spectator use.

The Bulls will release ticket information in due course.

The Bulls Academy clash with Leeds scheduled for Odsal on Saturday has been postponed at the request of the Rhinos.