None of the players on show tomorrow night were even born when Huddersfield Giants last defeated Bradford in League action.

Johnny Nash's I Can See Clearly Now' hit the charts, along with Nillson's Without You', not forgetting a catchy tune entitled Wig Wam Bam'.

Edward Heath was Prime Minister, The Godfather was breaking records at the cinema, while the Vietnam War raged on and US president Richard Nixon was dumped after Watergate.

No, Huddersfield's barren run against Bradford doesn't just include the last decade of the Super League era, it goes back nearly 35 years to November 12, 1972.

They will fancy their chances of ending that miserable form - which extends to 27 successive defeats - more than ever tonight though, having seen the Bulls decimated by injuries.

But, just as when he took his beaten-up side to Hull - and won - in front of the TV cameras earlier this season, Bradford boss Steve McNamara is once more relishing the challenge of facing adversity.

"The injury problems aren't the best and we've certainly been in healthier situations," he said. "We've got a fair few missing but it gives others an opportunity. They certainly will get that tonight and we've seen in the past that often they come up trumps.

"I'm hoping they do the same again.

"There's not just one in. There's four or five of them tonight and what they do bring is enthusiasm.

"With the game being on Sky, they've all got a chance not just to show us but the whole rugby league world what they can do."

Richie Hawkyard is set for his Super League debut in the pivotal position of scrum half while McNamara must go with two 20-year-old props on the bench against the mighty Giants pack.

Matt James makes only his fourth senior appearance, and first in nearly a year, while Craig Kopczak comes in for only his third.

Dave Halley is the third rookie among the replacements, while untried Huddersfield-born Jason Crookes, 17, is likely to be 18th man.

However, with the Bulls' current run of bad luck and other players nursing injuries, he may yet get called up into the match squad.

McNamara says his more experienced personnel know they must stand up to help the youngsters through the 80 minutes against a flying Giants side.

"They've mentioned it themselves already and know they must lead," he said.

"Huddersfield are on a good run, winning games on the bounce, but every time you win a match you are closer to a loss. Hopefully their first for a while will come against us tomorrow night."

McNamara added: "They are a very physical side. They made a conscious effort during the winter to get some extra size and took time to adjust to that but they certainly have now."

Sam Burgess is likely to play at loose forward while Marcus St Hilaire comes in at full back for injured Michael Platt.

The Under-21s game against St Helens on Saturday has been postponed but the Junior Academy clash at Grattan Stadium goes ahead, kick-off 12 noon, followed by the Under-16s fixture.

Steve McNamara is a guest of the Super League Show (BBC1, Sunday 1pm-2pm).