STEVE Ferres says the Bulls are hoping for a crowd approaching 10,000 when fierce promotion rivals Leigh head to Odsal on Sunday.

The visit of the Centurions last July drew a bumper attendance of 9,181 as the sides played out a memorable 36-36 draw.

The result effectively sealed top spot for Leigh but the in-form Bulls appear in decent shape to take the spoils this weekend.

Jimmy Lowes' men have racked up three straight wins since this season while Leigh suffered an opening-day loss to Batley before struggling to victory over London Broncos last Sunday.

Ferres is urging fans to turn out in force as the Championship big guns go head to head in a crunch clash that will be refereed by leading Super League official Richard Silverwood.

"We are hoping we can beat last season's attendance for this fixture for what I believe will be a Super League-quality game," said managing director Ferres.

"Leigh look a very strong side who can challenge the top four in Super League, let alone the Championship.

"They have recruited some quality players so they will start as favourites and I'm looking forward to seeing our lads test themselves against such a quality outfit.

"Rangi Chase can come up with magical plays to win games on his own and Martyn Ridyard is a more disciplined player with a good kicking game.

"Then you have Micky Higham at hooker and back-rowers like Gareth Hock, Cory Paterson and Reni Maitua who are quick and aggressive.

"But I could mention nearly everyone in their team because they are such a good side.

"Sunday will give us a good indicator of where we are at and we will know the answer after the game.

"Our membership figures are up on last year but there are still a lot of people out there who haven't bought one.

"This is certainly a game that appeals to the fans and we have the flexi-membership where you can buy a batch of three games."

To mark International Women's Day on March 8, the Bulls have organised a number of women's-related activities and special offers before kick-off on Sunday.

They will also be showcasing the new Provident Marquee filled with different types of entertainment.

The sides clashed three times last season with Leigh edging a stormy opening-day encounter before the draw at Odsal and a comfortable win for Bradford at the Leigh Sports Village in the Qualifiers.

The round-one clash led to Leigh's rugby director Derek Beaumont being banned from the director's lounge for the return game at Odsal but he will be allowed in this weekend.

Silverwood has been appointed to maintain order on the field and Ferres added: "The RFL can be commended for the appointment because he's one of the best in the business.

"I have a concern for our game when there are 31 penalties in a match, as there was against Swinton.

"There were two other games last weekend which saw over 30 penalties and people just aren't going to turn up and watch games like that.

"That's something we need to eradicate from the game and the interpretation of the laws by the officials has got to be as consistent in the Championship as it is in Super League."

The Bulls remain keen to get a number of fringe players game-time elsewhere, while the club’s former trialist Rhys Jacks has agreed a permanent deal at fellow Championship club Sheffield Eagles.

Several key members of Bradford's squad are out of contract at the end of the season and Ferres said: "Negotiations are ongoing with a number of prominent players whose contracts expire later this year.

"Some will be done sooner and some will be done later but we will be looking at this on a weekly basis."

Meanwhile, Ben Kavanagh is expected to be sidelined for another six weeks with the leg injury he sustained against Featherstone earlier this month.