Blockbusting Aussie centre Graham Mackay makes a high profile return to Headingley tonight on a mission to stop to rampant Leeds Rhinos back-line.

The Bulls' latest recruit has made a giant impact in his first two outings since his switch from union with Leeds Tykes and coach Brian Noble believes he can spearhead the fight to halt Tonie Carroll, Francis Cummins and Keith Senior and co in their tracks after their 13-try romp against St Helens seven days ago.

"I am very happy we signed Graham," enthused Noble who snatched him from under the noses of the Rhinos when he was expected to turn out for them after completing his union commitments.

"He's jumped into our side and shouldn't need any motivation tonight.

"I am sure the Leeds fans in the south stand will be trying to get to him but I'm confident he will respond in the best possible way. He has a tough challenge handling Keith Senior but I know Graham will cause him problems too.

"Graham's credentials are there if you look at his record in both league and union and he knows what it takes to re-adjust between the two.

"He's still picking up the moves but the thing that has impressed me the most is the fact that he has quickly found the pace of league again."

The absence of early season first choices Scott Naylor (hamstring) and Shane Rigon (ankle) gives Lee Gilmour another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting slot.

"Lee has struggled to find the form that we hoped he would produce straight away," said Noble. "It has taken him time to adjust to our thinking but he is very, very keen to do well and we saw glimpses of how dangerous he can be at Castleford.

"He has a huge task too against Tonie Carroll, probably the in-form centre of the competition. He's scoring tries for fun and we know we have a big job to do on him defensively but we feel we can cause him problems too."

Noble, who welcomes back Daniel Gartner and Paul Deacon after injury, believes the extra preparation time for both sides will ensure another great derby spectacle.

"It does make a difference when people are fresh. They are more alert and more conscious of what they need to do. It's another big challenge for us. Leeds have had something of a resurgence.

"All season they have been going to the flanks early because they have some real strike power out there in Senior, Carroll.

"They also have Chev Walker plus Cummins and Harris popping up all over the place.

"But we see opportunities where we can exploit them and we have prepared well. Now it's a matter of putting the plans into action."

The Bulls will again target the Rhinos' inspirational skipper Iestyn Harris who was in sensational form against Saints.

"If you give him space he's a real match winner but generally we have handled him quite well and we are aiming to do it again," said Noble.

"You have got to close him down and make sure you cut down his running opportunities."