Leeds Rhinos forward David Barnhill is not surprised Matthew Elliott has made such a success of his coaching career.

The highly-respected back-rower was a team-mate of Elliott's in the St George side beaten by Brisbane Broncos in the 1992 Aussie Grand Final before the Bulls boss's playing career was cut short by injury.

But Elliott instead poured all his energies into coaching, first as an assistant with the Dragons and in a similar capacity at Odsal before succeeding Brian Smith as head coach in 1997.

"It's not a surprise how good a coach Matt has become," says uncompromising back-rower Barnhill. "He was a good player and a good thinker on the game as well and was always marked down as a future coach.

"He learnt his trade off one of the best coaches in the business in Brian Smith, so he had a great grounding, but he's developed his own ideas too and has really progressed.

"I've caught up with him a couple of times since I arrived over here, but obviously not in the last few weeks. Hopefully with the final out of the way we can get together again."

Saturday's clash will see the former New South Wales State of Origin star do battle with another two former team-mates.

Brad Mackay was alongside him for St George in 1992, and again the following year, while David Boyle was with him at Canberra for their 1990 and 1991 Grand Final appearances.

Barnhill feels the Rhinos are more than capable of springing an upset.

"I am settling in well, although results could have been better," he said.

"Bradford are running hot, but it was important for us to get that win against Huddersfield-Sheffield.

"The Bulls have a great side and a great coach with excellent players in key positions.

"They are playing with great confidence and some arrogance which top sides need. It is something Leeds have had in the past and we are trying to get it back.

"We have some great players and will come back, but Bradford are going in as favourites, which they deserve."

A crunch battle up front is likely to settle the issue and Barnhill is geared up to tackle the awesome Bulls backs, including the rampant Paul Anderson.

"The best way to stop him is with an elephant gun from the grandstand," joked Barnhill.

"He's been barnstorming over sides, but we have just got to try and stop him getting into his stride and creating a platform."

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