Bradford Bulls chairman Chris Caisley believes that envy is causing many of their Super League rivals to try to upset his trail-blazing club.

In successive matches the Bulls have seen their mascot Bullman denied admission at St Helens for the Super League opener and their supporters ordered not to throw ticker-tape during last Sunday's Challenge Cup tie at Halifax Blue Sox.

There were cutting remarks in the Halifax match programme which referred to "Caisley's Cattle".

In addition, the Blue Sox's coaching staff angered their Bradford counterparts by suggesting the referee should keep a close eye on the Bulls because they push up so close on the offside line.

"I believe our success is really getting to people," said Caisley. "These were all petty actions which were attempts to try to unsettle us but they failed dismally.

"Envy is driving them to try these silly ploys but we can rise above it all.

"It just makes us more determined than ever to hit new heights."

Caisley has set his sights on breaking the 20,000 attendance barrier for Sunday's big clash at Odsal with Warrington - the side they meet again in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final at Headingley six days later.

"We are the best supported club and we are going to prove it on Sunday," he said. "Warrington's managing director Peter Deakin tells me that his club will be bringing about 4,000 fans so we should have a bumper day.

"There will be a great atmosphere and Halifax fans can come along and witness the ticker-tape welcome our fans give to the team at Odsal.

"They should have more to throw this week after Sunday's ticker-tape ban."

Odsal officials are reporting brisk ticket sales and they are promising to reveal full details of their new-look pre-match entertainment package in the build-up to the game.

"I can promise you it will be quite something," said Caisley.

The Bulls chairman is proud that they have managed to persuade former Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley to top the bill.

"It should be a real treat and something which will make all our rivals sit up and take notice."

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