JIMMY Lowes is looking forward to renewing an explosive rivalry with Halifax he remembers as being bigger than the Leeds-Bradford derby.

The Bulls will face their local rivals in a league fixture for the first time in well over a decade in tomorrow night’s eagerly-awaited clash, which is being billed as ‘The Battle for West Yorkshire’ and ‘Friday Fight Night’.

Halifax fell into decline after suffering relegation from Super League at the end of 2003 and they have not returned since.

But in recent seasons they have emerged as one of the most potent forces in the Championship and are tipped to push for a top-four finish this year.

Head coach Lowes is braced for a tough challenge from Richard Marshall’s side, who are smarting from a defeat at London Broncos last weekend.

Asked about his derby experiences as a player, the legendary former Bulls hooker said: “I think the game against Halifax was a bigger one for me, particularly when I played for Bradford.

“Leeds-Bradford was big from a Leeds point of view and when I played for Bradford against Leeds it was a big derby for me personally given my history at Headingley.

“But having played in a few Bradford-Halifax derbies down the years, I know what a big game it is for both clubs.

“We’re very close to each other geographically and they were always tough games.Both sides will be really pumped up for it on Friday night.

“They’re a good side from what I’ve seen so far and I would expect them to challenge for a top-four spot and be up there at the end of the year.

“Without question they will be a challenge for us and, like most sides, they’re not going to lie down, particularly for this game at Odsal.”

Marshall was handed the reins at The Shay following the departure of Bulls assistant coach Karl Harrison, who left Halifax shortly before the end of the 2014 season with his contract due to expire.

Lowes worked with Marshall, whose side have made a mixed start to the campaign, at Warrington.

The Bulls boss said: “They’ve got a good blend with young lads such as James Saltonstall and more experienced players such as Scott Murrell, who guides them around the park and knows the game inside out.

“Richard Moore, who I played with for Bradford and worked with at Leeds, is another tough competitor.

“They have got Ben Kaye at nine, so there is no question they will be a challenge for us.

“I worked with Richard Marshall at Warrington and he’s a decent bloke as well as a decent coach.

“The head coach’s job at Halifax is a good opportunity for him to progress his career in coaching and I wish him all the best – but not tomorrow night.”

Lowes has Adam Sidlow and Alex Mellor available again and Etu Uaisele has also been recalled to the squad.

But Jake Mullaney will miss out with the knock he suffered against Workington last weekend while Samir Tahraoui and Danny Williams also miss out.