Thousands of devoted Bradford Bulls fans are expected to make the short journey to Huddersfield on Friday to roar on their team in the World Club Challenge.

The Super League champions will take on Australia's best side, the Sydney-based Wests Tigers, at the Galpharm Stadium.

And today prominent Bulls fans from across the country urged their team on to victory. Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, a die-hard Bulls fan, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for the Bulls to be playing in the World Club Challenge again. "They are a credit to Bradford and it is a source of great pride that we have one of the finest rugby clubs in the world in our city.

"I am really looking forward to the game and I would like to wish the players and coaching staff the best of luck on the night."

Former Olympic athletes Jamie Baulch and Steve Cram added their best wishes after helping the Bulls prepare for the big game.

Mr Baulch visited Odsal to put the Bulls players through a tough sprint session.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my coaching stint at Bradford ahead of the World Club Challenge game against Wests Tigers. I will be rooting for the players on Friday and I hope they can bring further honours to the city and the club by again being crowned World Champions."

Fellow British athletics legend Steve Cram also visited Bradford to deliver a motivational speech to the Bulls squad.

He said: "I was delighted to be able to talk to the Bradford Bulls players ahead of the Carnegie World Club Challenge game against Wests Tigers. Bradford Bulls are the elite of their sport and I sincerely hope they can go on and be crowned World Champions."

Bradford City FC skipper David Wetherall also roared the Bulls on to success. He said: "Good luck to the Bulls on Friday. Anything that puts Bradford on the sporting map has got to be a good thing. Everyone at City wishes them all the best."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney said: "Sport means a lot to the people of Bradford and I wish the team all the very best for Friday's game. I hope the Bulls bring back the trophy once again."

Veteran Bulls fan Charlie Ebbage, 75, will be official time-keeper at the big game. Mr Ebbage, of Low Moor, Bradford, saw his first game at Odsal aged eight in 1938 - the start of life-long love affair with the club.

He said: "I am really looking forward to the game. There are one or two loose ends to tie up before the season starts, but I think we have got a really good chance of winning on Friday. "I think the new lads, such as Marcus Bai and Terry Newton could make the difference. They will provide that little bit of experience."

Bradford Lord Mayor Councillor Valerie Binney said: "The Bradford Bulls have given the city a real boost over the years with their successes and once again they will be putting us on the international map in this showcase final.

"I think I speak for all of the people of Bradford in wishing Brian Noble and his men the best of luck for Friday's match and urge as many fans as possible to travel to Huddersfield to cheer them on."

Steve Warner, Bradford Council's head of sport and leisure, said it was "fantastic" that the Bulls were contesting the world title once again.

"I intend to be at the Galpharm Stadium to see them win it," he said. "The club continue to be a great ambassador for this city and I wish them every success against Wests Tigers."