Mick Potter is steeling himself to upset a few people in the coming weeks.
The Bulls boss is giving his squad one last chance to stake their claims for selection before making some tough decisions ahead of the new Super League season.
With two games in three days coming up this weekend, Potter has plenty of chance to run the rule over his charges, with the young guns first up tomorrow night.
Ten of the current first-team squad will line up alongside their under-20 counterparts for a tricky trip to neighbours Keighley Cougars (7.30), now coached by former Wakefield star Jason Demetriou.
A clash with Wakefield follows at Odsal on Sunday (3pm), which should give strong hints on Potter’s thinking for the league opener against Leeds.
“There’s a little bit more time before the start of the season but these games will certainly go a long way to securing places for the Leeds game,” said Potter.
“It’s been tough to select my strongest team from this squad but it’s a pleasant headache to have.
“I’m sure I’ll have to upset a few people but they have got the right attitude.
“The guys that do get picked initially know they will have to fight every week to hold their position because there will be other players who will feel they can do just as good a job.”
Tomorrow’s team will have a total of 41 first-grade appearances between them.
Vinny Finigan, Jason Crookes and Cain Southernwood will add spark to an experienced back-line, while Tom Olbison and Steve Crossley bring a touch of know-how to the pack.
Sunday’s side contains all 11 of the Bulls’ off-season signings, and Brett Kearney is set to make his first appearance of 2011 after missing out on the previous trial games against Halifax and Dewsbury.
Danny Addy misses out due to a head injury suffered against Dewsbury, while James Donaldson (knee) is still short of full fitness. Dave Halley is sidelined until March.
Wakefield too are expected to name their strongest possible side, which should include former Bulls Glenn Morrison, Julien Rinaldi and Ben Jeffries.
Bulls (v Cougars): Kyle Williamson; Vinny Finigan, Jason Crookes, Rob Hawthorne, Lewis Straughn; Callum Windley, Cain Southernwood; Tom Burgess, Adam O’Brien, Steve Crossley, Tom Olbison, Liam McKay, John Bateman. Interchange: Liam McAvoy, Jobe Murphy, Ryan Wright, Lewis Reed, Tom Lillycrop, Matt Bailey, Ryan Laycock.
Bulls squad (v Wakefield): Michael Platt, Paul Sykes, Chev Walker, Patrick Ah Van, Brett Kearney, Marc Herbert, Nick Scruton, Heath L’Estrange, Andy Lynch, Olivier Elima, Elliott Whitehead, Jamie Langley, Matt Diskin, Bryn Hargreaves, Craig Kopczak, Ian Sibbit, Shaun Ainscough, Gareth Raynor, Shad Royston, Kyle Briggs.
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