STEVE Ferres admits the Challenge Cup showdown against Hull KR will provide an “early-season indicator” of how far the Bulls have progressed this year.

In what promises to be a mouth-watering fifth-round tie, the Robins will visit Odsal in a potential dress rehearsal for an end-of-season play-off battle in the Super Eights.

Chris Chester’s side are currently second bottom of the Super League table, while Bradford are second in the Championship, and managing director Ferres believes it will be a tie to savour.

He said: “It should be a great occasion and an early-season indicator of where both teams are at.

“Hull KR have had two great wins this season over Wigan and Catalans and have two very exciting half-backs in Terry Campese and Albert Kelly who can run you ragged.

“They’re going to be a challenge, there’s no doubt about that, but let’s bring it on.

“We have four very important league games before then, though, and need to build momentum into the season. We’re starting to do that now.”

The tie also means a first return to Odsal for James Donaldson, who joined Hull KR following the Bulls’ relegation last season.

Intriguingly, all four Super League sides who entered the draw have been pitted against Championship opposition.

Ferres added: “There are some great ties – Leigh versus Salford, Wakefield and Halifax, and Sheffield at home to Hull FC.

“The Super League sides will be thinking ‘what are these Championship sides like?’ “Likewise, the Championship clubs will be saying the same about the Super League teams.

“Obviously we will go out to give it our best shot and hopefully we can not only compete but come away with a victory and know exactly where we are at.

“It’s going to give us an early-season indicator but it’s not going to be the be-all and end-all for the season.

“The first thing you’d like to get is a home game and we’ve got that.

“We don’t want to get beat on our own ground because it’s sacred turf to the boys and we don’t want to lose that.”

With no televised ties in the fifth round, Ferres said the game is almost certain to be played on Sunday, April 19 at 3pm.

He added: “We hope we can build a bumper crowd and, with Hull KR being so well supported, it would be nice to get 6,000 or 7,000.”