When Lee Radford came to organise his testimonial game, a Hull versus Bradford fixture was a no-brainer.

“I had seven years at Odsal, won two Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge,” he said ahead of Sunday’s clash at the KC Stadium.

“I loved my time there and was proud to play in one of the club’s most successful sides ever.

“As a season, 2003 was special because we did the treble and also won the Minor Premiership. We won everything that year, in fact.”

Hull-born Radford made his debut for his home-town team at the age of 16 before going on to join Bradford, where he was a member of the side that appeared in five consecutive Grand Finals.

He rejoined the Black and Whites in 2006 but, at the end of last season, retired from playing and was handed a three-year contract as assistant to new Hull coach Peter Gentle.

Radford, 32, had signed a new two-year deal the previous year but decided to end his playing days and concentrate on coaching.

And with his coach’s hat on, Radford believes Sunday’s clash with the Bulls will be anything but friendly with the new season little more than a week away.

He explained: “From a personal point of view, it’s fantastic that Bradford have agreed to play in my testimonial game.

“In terms of the bigger picture, it’s a really important game for both teams and we’re taking it very seriously.

“It’s the last game before the season starts and we’re certainly looking for a big performance before our Super League opener at home to Warrington next Sunday.

“We lost to Hull KR last weekend and in this city that’s never good, so we need a big response.”

Looking back at his time at Odsal, Radford recalled: “I have so many fantastic memories but the stand-out game for me was the 2005 Grand Final.

“It was my last game for the club and we came from third place to win it, which no team had previously done.

“We’d been written off but embarked on a 12-game winning run to beat Leeds at Old Trafford and it was the final match for nine of the team that night.

“It was a fantastic side to play in and I’m still in touch with a lot of the boys. We have a get-together every 12 months and I speak to the likes of Jamie Peacock and Leon Pryce quite regularly.

“I went back to Old Trafford the following year with Hull against St Helens in the 2006 Grand Final, then led the side out at Wembley as captain – with my son alongside me – in the 2008 Challenge Cup final.”

The Bulls’ fall from grace in recent years has been well documented, yet Radford feels they may turn the corner this season.

“Last year was a big disappointment for Bradford but, reading between the lines, they look to have signed some good players and had a decent pre-season this year,” he said.

“Karl Pryce can be as good as anyone on this planet on his day; consistency and playing regularly are the key for him.

“Like I say, I’ll always wish the club well and there are a lot of fantastic people still there working hard behind the scenes.”

Hull, meanwhile, have an ambitious new owner in Adam Pearson and Radford said: “He’s put his money where his mouth is.

“I think it’s a rarity in rugby league to see that and the chairman wants the boys to be happy. He’s ambitious about achieving success.”

And how is Radford finding life as an assistant coach?

“I’m still finding my feet a little bit about how I go about things,” said Radford, who also coaches the club’s under-20s side.

“It’s only good for the British game that home-grown coaches like myself can get a chance because I’d like to be a Super League coach in my own right one day.

“Here at Hull, Peter Gentle is great, really laid-back, and has bags of experience, having worked under Tim Sheens.

“It’s always good to hear how different coaches go about their business and I can definitely learn from Peter.

“With the stadium, fanbase and new ownership, everything is geared up for success at Hull.”

Former Bulls skipper Andy Lynch has been handed the captain’s armband at Hull, with Radford adding: “I played with him at Bradford in 2005 and for me he was the stand-out choice to captain Hull this year.”