Being the man who makes the vital tackles for the Bulls doesn't earn Lee Radford too many headlines.

Not that he cares. Radford seldom reads the papers, especially in his home town of Hull.

But defence wins rugby league games and Radford, along with fellow second rower Jamie Peacock, is a key component of the miserly Bulls defence.

Time and again this season Radford has put his body on the line to pull off miraculous try-saving tackles and it has already taken its toll, with a shoulder injury ruling him out of the derby clash with Leeds.

It is ironic then that Radford aggravated the injury in his comeback match against St Helens doing what he so seldom does - scoring a fine individual try. The opener against Saints was only Radford's 13th try in 103 appearances for the Bulls.

Radford admits he came back too early from his shoulder injury but insists he'll be fine to face his former club tonight.

"I can't stand missing games," he said. "I shouldn't have played against St Helens. I don't think I did myself justice and I definitely didn't do my shoulder any justice, but the week off has been fantastic. I had four days literally not doing a thing on it and I had an injection on Sunday and it feels a lot better."

Radford progressed through Hull's academy ranks with current stars Richard Horne, Paul Cooke and Paul King and taking on his old mates at Odsal tonight will be one of the season's highlights.

"It's up there. I always enjoy playing them and it's always good to get one over on your old club."

l The Bulls return match against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, June 5 at Odsal has been made all ticket.