TOM Olbison admits tomorrow’s visit of Hull KR will provide a marker of how good the Bulls actually are.

While promotion remains the overriding objective, dumping Rovers out of the Challenge Cup would pour confidence into Jimmy Lowes’ side.

Moreover, it would suggest they are good enough to beat other top-flight teams in the end-of-season lottery that is the Super Eights.

“Playing any side from Super League is going to be a good marker for us,” said Olbison.

“This one’s a biggie and all the lads are definitely pumped up for it.

“It’s on home soil as well so it’s up to us to go out there and really show what we can do.

“It will be an indicator where we are at as a team and how we cope with the speed of the game against Super League opposition.

“It’s always a good indicator playing teams from the league above who you could potentially face at the end of the year.

“We’ve got to get in that top four and who knows what teams we might come up against?”

Olbison is looking forward to the prospect of crossing swords with former Bulls team-mate James Donaldson.

They caught up with each other at a recent Bulls game, although Olbison usually skips the regular coffee club socials that various players enjoy.

He explained: “Donno is a good lad and I see him now and then but I’m not one for coffee clubs every week because I don’t like coffee. Therefore I only catch up with all the boys every now and then.

“Hull KR have been on Sky a few times and I saw them beat St Helens and Hull FC before just getting pipped by Cas last weekend.

“We’ve looked at what they do but we won’t worry about them too much because it’s all about us.

“We want to win every week and this competition is separate from the league; it’s special.

“If we can’t get up for the Challenge Cup then there is something wrong with us.”

Like Donaldson, Olbison and Danny Addy might have been expected to stay in Super League following the Bulls’ relegation last season.

“I didn’t have too many options but that wasn’t a problem,” Olbison explained.

“I was happy to stay here and hopefully we can keep digging in and get it right come the end of the year.

“I’m from Leeds but I came through the ranks here and it’s my home club really.

“Danny and I have come through all the way together and it’s good when you’re around people you have grown up with and even played amateur rugby with.”

Olbison took a bang to the head during the Good Friday win over Halifax, forcing him to miss the win over Dewsbury.

But he was back last weekend against London and is determined to keep his starting spot in the second row.

The 24-year-old said: “I’ve always said the same – I’ll never rest on my laurels and I’d like to think I wouldn’t ever drop into a comfort zone.

“There is pressure every week and if you’re not quite on it, there is no doubt that Jimmy will drop you.

“I try and do my job week in and week out. Hopefully it’s enough to keep me in the side.”

If Jake Mullaney is considered not ready to return from injury this weekend, then Addy could continue in the halves.

Olbison said: “There will be no dramas if that's the case because Danny has done it at Super League level and for quite a period of time as well.

“His main position is loose forward, but half-back is certainly not something he’s unfamiliar with.”