A bout of ‘Rhinoitis’ will not save Leeds from the full force of Nick Scruton.

Earlier this week, the powerful prop was laid low by a bout of sickness, causing him to miss training on Monday and providing a brief scare ahead of tonight’s hotly-anticipated derby clash.

Scruton had suffered a similar affliction ahead of last year’s Easter clash with the Rhinos, leading to accusations from his former Headingley team-mates that he was running scared.

But the in-form Bulls forward is having none of it. After returning to work on Tuesday, he is primed and ready to face the club where he forged his early Super League career.

Scruton said: “I was poorly this week so a few of them were ringing me up and saying I had a case of Rhinoitis, which would probably clear up by first thing Friday morning.

“But I feel good now and I’m ready to go. A lot of the lads look forward to this game but it’s even bigger for me. I can’t wait.”

Yet the excitement of facing old friends amid an electric atmosphere will not go to Scruton’s head.

The 25-year-old front-rower made that mistake last year, launching himself head-first into the action right from the opening whistle at Grattan Stadium in his eagerness to prove a point. This time, a more mature Scruton will take the field at Headingley.

“The excitement of the game does give you extra energy but you’ve also got to be careful,” he said.

“Last year I used it in the wrong way. I went out to try and smash everyone and I was blowing out of my backside by about 20 minutes. I needed an oxygen tank!

“You can’t forget what you’re there to do and you can’t forget the game-plan or else you’ll get caught out.”

Scruton is also wary not to let Leeds’ current league position or injury problems spark thoughts of an easy ride.

“Especially at home and against Bradford, they could field 17 from the South Stand and they’d give us a game,” he said.

“They’ll be looking to respond after their recent problems and they’re capable of doing it.”