The Bulls launch their Super League title defence at the McAlpine Stadium tonight determined to prove the doubters wrong.

Last season's champions have been surprisingly written off in some quarters despite losing just two of their 22 championship games last season and romping home by seven points.

But a run of five successive defeats against top grade opposition in the league, Premiership, World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup have raised serious question marks about their ability to hold on to their crown.

Wigan have been installed as red hot favourites but while not making any bold predictions Bulls coach Matthew Elliott is clearly ready for battle.

"Crystal ball gazing was the one subject I failed at school," he said. Several sides are capable of winning it and with such limited squads injury problems could throw any predictions out of the window. What I will say is that we are extremely well prepared and motivated. I just can't wait to get started."

After losing forwards Paul Anderson and James Lowes through injury Elliott is given a timely pack boost by the appearance of Bernard Dwyer on the teamsheet for the first time this season following close season groin surgery.

"As a coach it's great to have Bernard back and there's no doubt the players like having him in the team," commented Elliott.

Dwyer is set to share the hooking duties in Lowes' absence with utility man Nathan Graham but Elliott will not be revealing his starting line-up until just before kick-off. Winger Jon Scales failed to prove his fitness after a broken thumb.

Bulls chairman Chris Caisley said: "It should be a great night and I urge fans to travel."

Admission in the all-seater stadium range been £10 and £12 for adults. The concessionary rate for all sections is £5. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Bulls: (from) Spruce, Vaikona, Calland, Peacock, Ekoku, Crouthers, Bradley, Paul, Edwards, McDermott, Graham, Reihana, Forshaw, Dwyer, Donougher, Jowitt, Nickle, McNamara

Giants: Cook; Belle, Weston, Loughlin, Arnold; Veivers, Orr; Harmon, Russell, Neill, Wittenberg, Fozzard, Sturm. Subs: Hanger, Berry, Richards, King.

Referee: Bob Connolly (Wigan).

lFans travelling to tonight's game are being urged by the police to allow plenty of time for their journey. They are also advising Bulls fans to leave the M62 at either junction 25 and travel to the ground on the A62, or use junction 24 and then the A629. A police spokesman said: "There is limited on street parking but the city centre car parks will be free from 6pm onwards and are within walking distance of the ground."

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