Bradford Bulls will begin their season proper with a televised all-Super League Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie against the newly merged Huddersfield/Sheffield Giants at Odsal on Saturday, February 12.

The fourth round clash has been chosen by the BBC to launch their coverage of the £800,000 showpiece tournament which culminates with the final at Murrayfield on April 29.

The Bulls were immediately made joint second favourites to collect the famous old trophy.

But Bulls coach Matthew Elliott predicted they would have to be at their best to see off the challenge of the Giants whose new-look side have beaten Leeds and St Helens in pre-season warm-up games.

"The draw has focused my mind immediately," admitted Elliott. "It means there will be no easing gradually into the season like we were able to do last season when we were drawn against Workington.

"It also makes Sunday's warm-up game against Wakefield even more important. I now need to make sure we get our combinations right and I certainly won't be ringing the changes like I might have done in other circumstances.

"The Giants have had a couple of wins to boost their confidence and we will have to be on our game.

"But with the squad we have I am confident we can come out on top."

Giants coach John Kear, who led Sheffield to a memorable win over Wigan in the 1998 final, said: "It's the tie of the round by a country mile.

"It's not only a tough draw but, with it being the only all-Super League one, it means there are probably going to be 11 Super League clubs left in the next round, so it makes it very difficult indeed.

"We had a fair bit of cup luck in 1998 but, if we're going to do it in 2000, it will have to be the hard way."

Bulls skipper Robbie Paul, who was man of the match in the 1996 final, said: "I think the Giants are going to be one of the more exciting teams this year but we're confident, especially being at home."

Holders Leeds Rhinos begin their defence of the trophy with a visit to Peter Roe's Featherstone Rovers - a game which is favourite to occupy the Sunday Grandstand slot.

Wigan, who have a home tie against Whitehaven, have been installed as 2-1 favourites by bookmakers William Hill, who made Bulls and Leeds 4-1 joint second favourites.

Other leading odds: 5-1 St Helens, 9-1 Warrington, 12-1 Castleford, 16-1 Hull, 33-1 London, Wakefield, 50-1 Halifax, Huddersfield-Sheffield, 66-1 Salford.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.