Veteran director Jack Bates will enjoy a starring role at this month's Silk Cut Challenge Cup final.

The 76-year-old Odsal stalwart has been asked to lead the Bradford Bulls out for the clash with Leeds Rhinos at Murrayfield on April 29.

Normally the club's chairman has the honour but Bulls chief Chris Caisley, who performed the role at Wembley in 1996 and 1997, is to step aside on this occasion.

Caisley believes the honour is well deserved after his predecessor's contribution to the club in his 30 years as a director.

"I decided to step aside in recognition of all Jack has done for the club over the years," he said.

"Bradford never reached a major final when he was chairman and he has never had this opportunity before.

"So I just thought that it was appropriate he should do this.

"The Rugby Football Lea-gue relaxed their protocol for me, which I'm pleased about, so I hope he will enjoy the day and hopefully bring us some luck."

Caisley said the experience of leading a side out for a Challenge Cup final was a tremendous one.

"It's a fantastic feeling and a great honour," he said.

"You are not just representing the club but also the city of Bradford and it feels great in front of so many of our supporters. I'm sure he will get a big buzz when he takes them out of the tunnel."

Bates, who first watched Bradford play at Birch Lane when he was a seven-year-old, said: "I am absolutely thrilled. This is a wonderful gesture by Chris and the board as a whole.

"I am a very fortunate man. I will never walk out in front of a better set of players. They are wonderful performers on the field and smashing fellas off it.

"This is going to be a a special day for me and I plan to enjoy it."

Bates was a spectator at Wembley when Bradford last met Leeds in the Challenge Cup final in 1947 and he is hoping for a similar outcome.

Bulls won that day 8-4 and beat Halifax to win the cup two years later but since then the famous trophy has eluded them.

"It will make my day if we do it this time," he said.

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