Paul Sykes is in no doubt what excites him most about being back in Bradford colours - facing Leeds Rhinos.

With pre-season training well underway, the time is now fast approaching for the goal-kicking centre to once more pull on the Bulls jersey.

It is six years since he originally left the club but his second debut is just around the corner and Sykes can't wait to get started.

He admits one fixture more than any stands out for the player upon his return from Harlequins.

"Leeds," Sykes says simply.

"That's what I'm looking forward to more than anything.

"They're the sort of games you love to play in.

"I don't think I ever played Leeds when I was last at Bradford so it'll be great to do that and I'm really looking forward to the first match between the sides next season.

"It's something that excites me, the atmosphere it creates and playing in front of those massive crowds. No disrespect to Harlequins but there were never too many fans down there.

"Playing at Odsal or Headingley in a Leeds v Bulls match though, you know you're going to get them and I can't wait to experience it all."

The 26-year-old's actual first taste of action in a Bradford shirt could come in the rather less salubrious confines of Tetley's Stadium.

They open their pre-season account at National League One Dewsbury Rams on December 30.

Steve McNamara traditionally doesn't pit too many of his first team squad in the first friendly but if Sykes does get the nod he will be more than happy for the early start.

"When you're doing pre-season training you always just want to get playing," he admits.

"I'm looking forward to the first game and getting a run out.

"If it comes at Dewsbury, for me, that would be great.

"I'm from there and live nearby in Thornhill again after moving back up from London.

"I know a few of the Dewsbury players and I've never actually played my home-town team, so it'd be good."

The real business starts against Wakefield at Belle Vue in Super League on February 10 and Sykes admits eyes are already turning towards the big kick-off.

"Pre-season goes on so long that you just can't wait for that first game to roll on," he said.

"Training's going really well though and they are a good bunch of lads here.

"There's still a few players to come back, such as a couple of the Great Britain boys and some of the overseas lads, but I'm impressed by the squad already.

"I know I've got to be on the ball and keep training hard here just to get picked and that's all I'm concentrating on."

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