Nigel Askham talks to half-back Robbie Paul

Robbie Paul admits there will be no need for any rousing speeches in the Odsal changing room tonight.

The very presence of the reigning champions Wigan down the corridor will be motivation enough as the Bulls eye Old Trafford glory.

"It's the toughest game of the season so far," says the Bulls skipper. "Just the fact that they are running third in the table and we are second will give the game an extra edge and we know what the game represents for us."

The Warriors have won the last three clashes between the sides and Paul knows only the best will do from his side if they are to buck the trend.

"We have had some very tough games against them in the last few years and tonight will be no different.

"I really enjoy games against them although I don't think they enjoy playing us because no matter where the game takes place they know we will be up for it."

And the fact that Wigan have been a little below par so far this term is of little consequence to Paul.

"They will be fully committed. Even though they have been sending out signals that they may not be at full strength.

"We know that the 13 who start the game will still be part of a very strong . They have been at the top for a very long time and it is because they have adopted a very professional attitude.

"They sign good juniors and bring them into the right environment. Some of their younger players, like Wes Davies and Liam Bretherton, will do the job for them if they come into the side."

Robbie is hoping to be at his peak again physically after feeling below par against Gateshead last week.

"I was not very well before the game at but I was always going to play. I didn't have the best preparation and Mattie made me stay on for the whole game. They wanted to take me off after 75 minutes but if I could last that long I could last the whole game!"

And he knows a top display from the side will send the retiring Danny Peacock out on a high.

"We have a few special things lined up for Danny tonight as a mark of re-spect for the things that he has done at the club.

"As players we cannot think of any other better way to send him off than with a win against a side of Wigan's quality. It's also very important for the team that we gain a victory. Two points will mean that we are back within one point of league leaders St Helens."

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