Bradford Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is insisting on a gradual improvement from his side in the five games remaining before the play-offs.

The Bulls ended a run of low key displays with an improved effort in last week's victory over Castleford and will look for more positive signs against basement boys Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants at Odsal tonight.

"We cannot afford to have any levelling out or backwards movement now," said Elliott. "Last week there was an improvement. It is vital we make that step up again.

"The players are aware of what they need to do and the signs are coming through this week that they are prepared to work hard to achieve that."

Bulls' loose forward Brad Mackay says the arrival of new coach Tony Smith gives the Giants every incentive to put up a keen struggle.

"I played with Tony at St George - he will have a big and positive influence on them," Mackay said. "The fact that he is watching from the stands will make the fixture harder as they will be trying to impress him."

Elliott has only injured skipper Robbie Paul unavailable but is expected to rest centre Scott Naylor who has played in 26 of the side's 28 games this season. Consideration may also be given to pulling hooker Jimmy Lowes out of the firing line having been the only ever-present this season.

Nathan McAvoy and Justin Brooker are both fit to resume.

The Giants have lost influential Aussie scrum half Gavin Clinch and prop Richard Marshall through injury.