Bulls coach Brian Noble wants his charges to get back to bashing opponents, and getting bashed, when they take on Castleford in Brian McDermott's testimonial at Odsal tomorrow.

The Bulls have had a brief but intense fortnight of physically demanding but lightly-opposed drills. Now it is time to get back to the tough stuff.

"We have put in a lot of work in a short period of time. Two weeks is effectively all we've had. We need some contact now," said Noble.

"This game is to see how we go after contact and what we are doing in

contact."

Noble expects to use up to 24 players in the match, including Academy players Ben Western and Andy Smith.

Of those who won't play, Shontayne Hape is recovering from minor knee surgery and Toa Kohe-Love and Karl Pratt won't test out their repaired shoulders until the Wakefield match in ten days' time.

Noble won't be overly concerned if his players aren't at their sharpest and he isn't worried about the result.

"We are not looking to peak tomorrow. It's a hit-out, and that's what we need at this stage. We need to be nearly ready ten days after that against Wakefield and then champing at the bit for Penrith Panthers.

"I'm confident with the preparation we have done that we will start the season well."

He might not be worried about the result, but Noble will have half an eye on how a new-look Castleford - including new signings Paul Newlove, Craig Greenhill and Sean Ryan - are shaping up under his Great Britain coaching colleague Graham Steadman.

"Down the track I will be worried about them. Steady is a good coach and they have added considerably to their squad. They will be one of teams pushing for a top-four spot."

Honouring the fantastic career of Brian McDermott was another important part of the day, said Noble.

"We are recognising someone who has been a huge part of this club for the last ten to 12 years, both physically and emotionally, and I hope the spectators turn out and recognise that.

"He'll be starting the game. How long his engine lasts is up to him."

McDermott is determined to put in a decent shift on the park.

"I'll give it my best shot," he said. "I've always kept up my fitness so it isn't like I haven't trained for 18 months.

"I won't be blowing out the cobwebs or anything like that."

Tickets for the match are £12/£6 (stand) and £10/£5 (ground).